Coastal group offers programme for marine enthusiasts

A group in North Devon is inviting those with an interest in the coast to get involved in citizen science and explore marine life this New Year. 

Coastwise North Devon is launching its new Spring talks programme, starting Thursday 9 January, to encourage people to discover more about the region's coastal environments.

The programme, designed for all ages and levels of experience, includes A Crash Course on Basic Rocky Shore ID from expert Mark Ward. 

The talk is set to begin at 10am and will be the first of ten meetings held throughout the year. Applications are open on the Coastwise North Devon website, with a £20 charge for all ten meetings or a £3 drop-in option per session.

Coastwise North Devon's activities also include vital citizen science surveying, which helps gather data for North Devon’s Marine Conservation Zone. 

Supported by the North Devon National Landscape Team and Devon Wildlife Trust, Coastwise encourages members to contribute valuable information to monitor the health of the region's fragile sea life.

“We monitor our fragile sea life to better understand the effects of pollution, climate change, and invasive species. This data is essential for the management of Marine Conservation Zones,” explains Coastwise Shoresearch Coordinator Debbie Frazer.

The group conducts surveys at Combesgate, Hele Bay, and Westward Ho!, as well as Lee Bay, in collaboration with the Marine Biological Association. 

According to Coastwise founder Paula Ferris, they record dozens of species in just a couple of hours, ranging from familiar creatures like anemones and crabs to more unusual finds. 

In 2024, the group recorded the sea slug Pruvotfolia pselliotes at its most northerly limit.

“We record all species to help experts track new trends in marine life and understand the potential impact on native species,” Ms Ferris adds.

Coastwise North Devon invites everyone with an interest in the coast and its marine life to join in. 

The full Spring programme is available on the Coastwise website or through their Facebook page, and for more information, you can contact them via email at coastwisendinfo@gmail.com.

The group’s citizen science surveys are open to anyone wishing to learn more about marine life and contribute to conservation efforts in the area.