Fans of the great outdoors again have the chance to discover creatures of the coast in a series of seashore safaris taking place over coming weeks.
Marine biologist Judith Oakley has organised more events at various Gower beaches to cater for public demand.
Over 150 people attended the first three seashore safaris this summer in search of crabs, starfish and other species living on our coasts.
Butterfish, worm pipefish and long-spined sea scorpions are among the most interesting finds so far.
Funding for the seashore safaris comes from Swansea Council’s nature conservation team, Gower AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and the Countryside Council for Wales.
The information gathered is being collated and submitted to the Marine Life Information Network.
The next three seashore safaris are as below:
- Monday 24 at Oxwich. People are asked to meet near the Oxwich Bay Hotel at 2.30pm.
- Wednesday August 26 at the Mumbles foreshore. People are asked to meet at the Mumbles Pier entrance at 2pm.
- Saturday September 5 at Port Eynon. People are asked to meet outside the village shops at noon.
Cllr John Hague, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, said:
“It’s great news that these events have been so well-received and that more have been organised to cater for public demand.
“Gower is not only a hugely popular destination for tourists and visitors but it’s also of major interest to nature enthusiasts because of the spectacular variety of plant and animal life along its coastline.
“It’s little surprise the seashore safaris are proving extremely popular with people of all ages.”
Judith, of Oakley Intertidal, said: “The Gower seashore safaris have proved unbelievably popular this year and I would urge anyone interested to make sure they get in touch soon to reserve a space.
“These events are not only good fun but they also raise awareness of our rich and diverse seashore life and stress the importance of conserving and protecting these important habitats.”
Anyone interested in attending one of the three forthcoming seashore safaris should call Judith on 07879 837817.
People are advised to wear appropriate footwear and children should be accompanied by adults.
