• What is a Geoparks
• About the Geopark
• Visit the Geopark
• GeoActive
• Our amazing GeoStory
• Our GeoSites
• History and Heritage
• Biodiversity
• Geopark Management
• Partners and Members
• How to get to the Geopark
• Education

GEOPARK BLOG

GEOPARK ARTIST PROJECT - ANNA KELEHER Researching the Agency of Things + Talking With Things. Supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England

Solstice by the sea event 

Mark and I signed on to the Solstice by the sea event at Seashore Centre and Goodrington Sands. Alex projected slides of engaging marine animals in the warm seashore centre before a hardy bunch of us went out to study the rockpool inhabitants. It was still light when we went out onto the beach and still light when we went back indoors for hot drinks so, it remains a mystery as to what the creatures do in the dark at Mid-winter. Even Alex doesn't know. So the challenge is still out there.

Alex spotted two whelks and nearby a beautiful cluster of creamy pointy eggs attached to a mother rock! In all my years peering into rockpools.I have never seen this though I did once see a sea anemone give birth and it was an emotional moment so if it was doing something else please don't tell me!

If you have ever been out looking for Setas (lactaria deliciosa fungi) with  expert Setas hunters in Valencia, you will know that however sharp you believe your eyes to be they are NOT sharp at all. Though invisible to our mortal eyes the countryside is literally teaming with setas and even when they are right beneath your nose, you can't see them. It is as though experts can see through the invisible shroud to what really lies beneath. Well it is like that with marine creatures. Alex can see things that you cannot see. YET. Like whelks eggs and all sorts of other marvellous things. I am guessing she has honed her sight through practice and knowledge and love..... but I don't rule out the possibility that this ability might be genetic. I have a hunch that we could see what she sees if only we gave it enough attention and practice. 

Even with our inexperienced eyes we did manage to find a dazzling array of marine creatures between us. Either you need very sharp eyes or a lot of pairs of eyes.

We found all sorts of stuff, including an  otter shell and a sand piper eel which is related to the Seahorse . They are interesting to us humans because the males of the species carry the babies, not like us in a sling but they actually get pregnant. I never understand why this doesnt mean they are female... I guess it must have to do with chromosomes or something. 

You can comment on this article!

0 comments

Add a comment to this article ( please note - your email address must be entered, but will not be posted on the site):

Screen name:
Email Address:
Comment title:
Comment:
Copy the letters from the image below:	Can't read it? Try another

MORE BLOG POSTS