The coast is full of treasure, with lots of different natural objects scattered around. This activity is all about slowing down and looking around for what we can see, smell or hear. Try to look more closely at things, thinking about what the object/species is and what its role is in the ecosystem. This activity is great if you can head to the coast. Become shoreline detectives, searching high and low to find as many natural objects on the spotter sheet as you can!
Keep your eyes peeled for an egg case or ‘mermaid’s purse’, which is a pouch protecting a developing skate, shark or ray embryo! Pictured here is a dogfish egg case. You can learn more about mermaids purses through our YouTube video
Dogfish egg case (c) Amy Lewis
You may find some shells, but what kind are they? There are lots of different types, from whelk to mussel to oyster shells. Photographed are dog whelk shells which are conical with a rounded spire – the empty ones are often used as homes by hermit crabs!
Remember it is important to visit the coast safely. It is important to know the tide times when visiting the coast – you can find this by visiting the MET office website here. While you’re out, be aware of your surroundings and the tide’s direction at all times.
What you will need:
- Printed spotter sheet
- Pen/pencil
- Clipboard (optional)
- Magnifying glasses (optional)
- Printed wordsearch (optional)
How to become a shoreline detective:
- Head out on a walk along the shoreline and tick items off your spotter sheet as you go. Try and stop and engage your senses! Can you find something with a rough texture, or perhaps soft or squidgy? Do any of them have a certain smell, shape, or colour? Can you find anything interesting that isn’t on the spotter sheet?
- It is important to leave natural objects and coastal creatures at the coast – everything in nature has its place! Also, remember to take your rubbish home so it doesn’t end up in our seas! Lastly, don’t forget to wash hands afterwards.
- Below you can download and print the WHALE of a wordsearch if you have some time after your exploring. Can you find all of the creatures in the wordsearch? Did you spot any of them at the coast? You can colour in the wordsearch too!
