Discover North Devon’s hidden coastal world with Coastwise new spring programme

A brand new spring programme of talks and activities has been unveiled to mark the 20th anniversary of Coastwise North Devon.

The group has worked for two decades to highlight and raise awareness of marine, bird and mammal life on the coast, as well as the many challenges faced by the environment.

The new Spring programme launches this Thursday, January 8 with the first in a series of weekly talks at Barnstaple Library from 10am to 12noon.

Above: A shore survey being carried out by Coastwise North Devon at Westward Ho! Credit: Rob Jutsum

Paul Naylor, the acclaimed underwater photographer and author of Great British Marine Animals, will begin the new run of talks, with newcomers always welcome.

His talk ‘Dropping in on the lives of our amazing marine animals’, features the captivating tompot blennies, among a cast of the bizarre and beautiful characters that can be found along the North Devon coast.

Paul’s goal is to show the wonders of UK marine life and tell their amazing stories, a mission echoed by Coastwise’s own year-round programme of talks and activities. 

Above: Female shore crabs and their sensitivity to electromagnetic fields will feature in a talk on January 22 by PhD student Elizabeth James.

The week after is Members’ Shore Stories, with Robert Down talking about Greencliff and Jonathan and Jane Nicholl on Combe Martin.

Later in January Professor Richard Twitchett from the Natural History Museum will be speaking on ‘Reading the rock record: mass extinctions and climate change in Devon’.

Above: Nudibranchs, a kind of sea slug, will also feature on January 22 with a talk from Rachel Edworthy, Exeter University student. Credit: Robert Down 

On February 26 there is also visit to view the birds at Horsey Marsh in Braunton with Rob Jutsum. Meet Velator Car Park, 10am.

READ MORE: A wealth of wildlife discovered at Ilfracombe BioBlitz

See below for the full programme. Coastwise membership of £20 covers 10 sessions, or people can pay £3 for individual talks.

Coastwise chair Liesje Birchenough said: “Paul’s talk will be a real treat. He is hugely popular and has long been a supporter of Coastwise. His will be the first of an exciting new 10-week programme. 

“North Devon’s rocky shores and wildlife are the main focus, together with aspects of the challenges presented by climate change and coastal management issues. There are opportunities too, for developing interests together, participating in citizen science and shore visits.”

Founding member Paula Ferris added: “If you have ever been intrigued by a rock-pool you should join us. Coastwise is the go-to place to find out about most things to do with our coast, with lots of it covered in our forthcoming talks programme and the other things we get involved with.”

You can find out more at www.coastwisenorthdevon.org.uk or to sign up, email the membership secretary at coastwisendinfo@gmail.com or visit the Coastwise North Devon Facebook page.