Rockpool Rookies Summer session

We were lucky enough to receive funding from Believe Housing Ltd, which will enable us to host 3 seasons of rock pooling sessions around Seaham. The sessions are aimed primarily at preschoolers and home ed groups. However, we do not discriminate and will gladly welcome your siblings too.

Today was the first of our summer sessions, we keep them small to minimise disturbance. Therefore, more dates will be added as the sessions fill up.

We gathered at the Vane Tempest car park and descended onto the beach. This is one of my favourite sections of the Seaham coast, and we were not disappointed.

Shore crabs, swimming crabs and "pie crust crabs", sea snails of all kinds and a starfish, to name a few of the creatures we spotted today.

Lovingly and carefully, we explored the rockpools. Most of the creatures remained undisturbed; rather than being displaced, they were quietly observed in their natural habitats. The equipment we had with us enabled us to "look but not touch" and, most excitingly, "listen".

This area of the beach is extra special as plodding and stomping about on the rocks is not required, the sandy pathways between the rocks make exploring safe for the kids and the creatures.

Looking forward to next time.

Remember to "leave no trace" when you visit someone else's home!