Only a matter of minutes into my first rockpooling adventure since childhood, I had already netted a 2cm long common prawn. Admittedly, I nearly threw it back along with the large helping of assorted seaweed in my net, but I was delighted.
My elation was short-lived, however. Just as I was about to show off with pride the tiny, semi-transparent crustacean to my fellow rockpoolers, one of them, nine-year-old Ben, thrust his plastic tub under my nose. “Look what I found,” he announced triumphantly. The creature swimming around Ben’s tub was also a common prawn, but this one measured an impressive 11cm. Spectacularly trumped, I surreptitiously tipped my miniscule prawn back into the water and continued on my way.
Infectious enthusiasm
Inspired by childhood memories of spending summer hours delving into rockpools, I had joined an organised rockpool ramble on the beach at Combe Martin, a pretty village on the coast. Run by Coastwise North Devon members and volunteers, it was timed to coincide with the lowest tide to maximise our chances of gaining an insight into the colourful array of plants and animals living on the rocky shoreline.
After gathering at Combe Martin Museum for brief introductions, we divided into two groups consisting of a mixture of newbies such as myself and experienced amateurs.
Under sunny blue skies, my group, led by the infectiously enthusiastic and knowledgeable Paula Ferris, trekked down to the beach armed with our essential kit: plastic tub, net and laminated rockpool guide (highly recommended for any keen rockpooler).
Keep your eyes peeled
Combe Martin has a small, narrow beach with steep-sided cliffs and limited dry sand for spreading towels and staking windbreaks. But at low tide it is a perfect location for rockpooling, with the cliffs offering shelter and the receding tide exposing numerous pools.
Easing us in, Paula began by pointing out some familiar species, such as barnacles, mussels, limpets (did you know they return to the same place each low tide?) and sea snails, before encouraging us to look further down seeking the more unusual creatures lurking at the lowest tide point.
After my slow start, it wasn’t long before I was ticking off animals on my trusty laminated guide: shore crabs (one carrying a sack of eggs); large alien-like green and pink snakelocks anemone; small red beadlet anemones; and a cluster of red threads protruding above the sand indicating a marine worm hiding beneath.
After a few near watery disasters – there’s certainly a skill to negotiating seaweed-covered rocks while holding a net in one hand and a plastic tub full of water in the other – I tentatively made my way to the lowest tide point to join a huddle of excited rockpoolers. Imagining the source of their excitement to be an enormous fish or rare crab, I was slightly baffled to be shown a single piece of kelp with a small wound measuring around 1.5cm. But with the help of a magnifying glass, I could see a beautiful blue-rayed limpet buried deep within.
Now on my beach trips I can’t wait to join in with the kids, searching for the natural treasures hidden among every clump, rock and pool.
Useful Information
HOW TO GET THERE
Exit the M5 at junction 27 and take the A361 towards Tiverton. Continue on the A361 to Barnstaple. At Barnstaple follow signposts to Bideford (A39), Ilfracombe (A361) or Combe Martin (A39 leading on to the A399).
FIND OUT MORE
Coastwise North Devon will be running free Rockpool Rambles throughout the summer:
www.coastwise northdevon.org.uk
01271 882078
EAT
The Grampus Inn
Lee, North Devon
EX34 8LR
www.thegrampus-inn.co.uk
01271 862906
A working farm converted into a classic village pub in the heart of picturesque village. After a few hours of rockpooling on Lee Bay beach The Grampus is the perfect pit-stop for locally sourced, home-cooked food before a game of skittles.
STAY
Mullacott Farm
Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 8NA
www.mullacottfarm.co.uk
01271 866877
Mullacott Farm offers B&B accommodation in a beautifully converted 100-year-old barn. Camping and caravan options.
NEARBY
Combe Martin Museum
Cross St, Combe Martin, North Devon, EX34 0DH
www.combe-martin-museum.co.uk
01271 889031
The museum, next to Combe Martin beach, holds a permanent exhibition highlighting the heritage of Combe Martin. During the school holidays, the museum runs weekly beach safaris.