Under the sea

A brittlestar works its way across the rocks

Two beautiful Polycera quadrilineata nudibranchs

Don't worry, it's only an inch long - A Caprellid skeleton shrimp waits for passing food

Wednesday 25^th July comments: Where would our seabirds be without the sea? It’s not just the bird life around the islands that is amazing, the critters that live under the waves can be equally interesting too, and I’m not just talking about seals!

The rocky-shore life around the Farnes is particularly rich, with numerous Sea Hares (actually a type of sea slug), nudibranchs, limpets, starfish, crabs, and other marine invertebrates all calling these vibrant waters home not to mention the fish! Strange mantis-like skeleton shrimp cling to the algae, grabbing passing food particles with oversized claws, and barnacles waft their modified legs to filter feed.

This August, the ranger team will be scouring the rocks at low tide to show you some of these marvellous creatures up close, to give you an idea of just how rich the wildlife of the Farnes waters is.

The team is also looking forward to their big seawatch this weekend as part of the National Whale and Dolphin Watch, organised by the Seawatch Foundation. The team shall set up a constant vigil of the farnes waters from Friday 27^th till Sunday 29^th July, looking out for cetaceans (and of course any birds that may pass too...) With the Farnes being one of the best seawatching spots on the Northumberland coast, you’re welcome to come along join in, either with your own scope or with one that we’ve set up, and we hope to see you there!