Course on beach's rare vegetated-shingle habitat

The course focuses on the Shoreham Beach local nature reserve, a site of rare vegetated-shingle.

“Shoreham Beach is a spectacular example of this habitat,” said course tutor, naturalist and author Stephen Savage.

“More than 90 plant species have been recorded on the beach, which in turn support a wealth of wildlife including birds, bees, lizards and butterflies.”

The course starts at the Ropetackle Arts Centre with an illustrated talk and look at how Shoreham beach was created.

Mr Savage said: “We will also explore the habitat links between Shoreham Beach Nature Reserve, the river Adur and the adjacent Adur Estuary RSPB Reserve, a protected area for wading birds.”

There will then be a guided walk along part of the RSPB reserve and onto Shoreham Beach.

Participants will be able to take a close look at the shingle plants and learn how to identify them.

“These plants are really amazing,” said Mr savage.

“They have developed special adaptations that allow them to thrive in this harsh environment.”

“We will also explore some of the objects that are washed ashore, as these can often provide fascinating clues to the marine life living around our coast, and some of the local and global threats to the vegetated shingle.

“The course is aimed at adults of all ages and the new boardwalk on the beach reserve will provide a stable platform for participants who might find walking on shingle beach a challenge.”

Call 01273 497561.