© Karen Andrews
Shoresearch is a citizen science project to survey our coastal species. I attended a training session for volunteers at Brean on 17th November 2019. The day was aimed at training up volunteers to participate in next year’s intertidal shore surveys at various sites up the coast from Porlock to Brean.
Better Data
Somerset’s coast has been somewhat overshadowed by its neighbours. Our county needs better data on its coastal species in order to have more meaningful dialogue in future with politicians and developers. The information was simply not available in the past to state whether we were at risk of losing a rare species. Shoresearch offers an opportunity to monitor change over several years. It will observe the effects of climate change and invasive, non-native species.
Species Identification
The training took us through the species we could expect to find, before venturing out onto the beach after a safety talk. As novices, we concentrated on the different types of local seaweed and snails. We were given a useful FSC draft key for rocky shore species and recording sheets. Latin names are important as many of the common names differ around the country and can cause confusion.
Quadrat Demonstration
Quadrat demonstration on the beach
© Karen Andrews
Shoresearch uses several survey methods: timed species searches, walkover and quadrat surveys. Firstly, a quadrat survey estimates the percentage cover in the canopy or top, then the seaweed is cleared away to investigate the species underneath.
Shoreline Observations
Our attention was drawn to species zonation. Different species are found at different levels or zones of the shore. There were the telltale signs of snails nibbling holes in seaweeds as in any garden (see very top photo).
Green tar lichen, Verrucaria mucosa with Creeping chain weed, Catanella caespitosa. © Karen Andrews 
Channelled wrack, Pelvetia canaliculata
© Karen Andrews
Future Volunteer Surveys
You don’t have to take part in a training session to take part in one of next year’s Shoresearch surveys. Our day was nonetheless a great way to dip your toe in the water or, in Brean’s case, the silt and mud. 2020 events will take place on the 1st Sunday of every month at different coastal locations. They offer an opportunity to make a difference to the appreciation and understanding of Somerset’s coast and gain new skills.
Web Link
Somerset’s Brilliant Coast Initiative
© Karen Andrews
Copyright Note
Karen does not seek or receive any commercial interest or advantage from this blog. She is not promoting any business venture. She simply loves to share fascinating facts about plants. These pages illustrate her love of plants, botany, biodiversity, gardens and creative expression. There is always so much to learn about plant diversity. This blog is designed as a showcase for photography, commentary on plants and wildlife, gardens and other places visited, horticulture and related topics. Viewpoints are her own, not those of her employer.
© Karen Andrews 2018 onwards. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Karen Andrews and BotanyKaren.net with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.