A Shore Thing!

Whitehead Primary School's Eco Club got involved in some 'real science' last week and surveyed Blackhead Path, Whitehead for indicators of climate change as part of The Shore Thing project. The pupils began with a Shore Thing timed species search and found an abundance of hermit crabs, limpets, periwinkles and anemones. The group then completed a rock pool rummage and found more weird and wonderful creatures such as mud skippers, butterfish and rockpool prawn. 

The Shore Thing project gives schools and voluntary groups all over Northern Ireland the opportunity to take part in 'real science' and to help monitor the impact of rising sea temperatures. Most coastal organisms are adapted to specific sea temperatures and other specific conditions. Therefore, it's possible to monitor the impact of climate change very closely using the presence, absence and abundance of certain coastal species on our shores. The Shore Thing project allows anyone interested in the marine environment to contribute to this dataset by completing intertidal surveys and all the information collected by volunteers will be made available online and will help to build a picture of the present state of UK rocky shores and measure change in the future. For more information can be found here 

Blackhead path is a seaside walk from Whitehead Boat Club to Sunshine House. The path runs northeast from Whitehead and is lined by interesting wildlife habitats including grassland, woodland (known locally as the 'Magic Forest') and a rocky shoreline. The Lough itself is an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) famed for its bird population, including nesting peregrine falcons.

The Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) for Mid and East Antrim Council was launched on 18^th December 2014. The LBAP document sets out how biodiversity within the region can be protected and enhanced for the benefit of all and for future generations. Through this LBAP, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council wants to encourage people to get involved in local biodiversity. The Shore Thing project is another example of how we are doing so. The LBAP can be viewed and download here