Tales from Wales – hours on the Gower

On the May Bank Holiday weekend some fifteen members of Coastwise enjoyed a change of scenery when they explored the marine life on the other side of the Bristol Channel.  In a 3-day event organised by Mavis and Clive Symons the group went on two shore safaris on the Gower Peninsular, guided by consultant marine biologist Judith Oakley (author of the book “Seashore Safaris”).
On Saturday 5th., eight members of the group preceded these events by enjoying a “Gower Coast Adventure” on the “Sea Serpent” – a rigid hulled inflatable powered by environmentally friendly water jet propulsion. Cruising at an exciting 25 knots the boat enabled the group to explore the coast from Mumbles to Worms Head, visiting nesting sea-bird colonies and catching glimpses of porpoise where feeding gannets were seen.
On the Sunday Judith led the Safari onto the rock platform of Worms Head Causeway. Jim Monroe said “Judith had whet our appetites with suggestions of what we might find under the boulders and overhangs and we were not disappointed. Pencil and golf-ball sponges, huge dead man’s fingers (picture with camera for scale), and my own favourites, the elegant anemones were all there to see.” Judith went on to point out rosy featherstars, sea cucumbers, Risso’s crab and sea lemons with spawn.
On Monday 7th. a visit to Oxwich Bay with its beach backed by wooded limestone cliffs held more surprises. Among the gullies and overhangs the finds included male tompot blennies guarding their eggs (Judith’s favourite find of the day), many examples of star ascidians and various species of sea squirts and sponges. Event organiser Mavis Symons said “Judith’s knowledge and enthusiasm made our weekend enjoyable and memorable.”

Link to Oxwich species list
Link to Worms Head species list