……..as it launches its latest ambitious programme of talks and activities about the coast and its wildlife on 12 October, in Barnstaple Library, with exceptional photographs from diver Maggs Ashton, including the rare Sunset Cup Coral at Lundy. This is the first of ten weekly Thursday morning meetings of talks and local site visits.
Chair Liesje Birchenough says…
“Our aim this autumn is to provide a fantastic talks programme with an emphasis on opportunities for members to meet up and socialise, indoors and out, with zoom for those who can’t always get there, whilst keeping the fee to £20.
We kick off with what will be a visual feast of underwater photos from local diver and Coastwise member Maggs Ashton. Later we will hear from DWT’s Coral Smith, as well as talks by experts on marine mammals, offshore wind, working in the Antarctic and the intriguing Discoing Scallops, before a final session when members share some of their year’s highlights.
We are volunteers who champion our coast but owe much to the North Devon AONB, the Devon Wildlife Trust and the many other visiting experts who participate, as well as the hundreds of our members and supporters, past and present – our greatest asset. We hope you will join us".
Coastwise is also hosting a free public rock-pooling shore safari on 30 September, 11.30 am at Croyde (north end) to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Wildlife Trusts’ Shoresearch Surveys, in which Coastwise participates. Members will be on hand to share their knowledge and talk about about the Autumn programme and many other activities to encourage engagement with the coast and its wildlife.