When work doesn't feel like work: Claire goes on an adventure!

Tuesday 7th January 2025 was beautiful and sunny so I took the opportunity to have a little adventure and explore Littlehampton’s West Beach SSSI Nature Reserve. I’m not going to lie, while it may have been bright and sunny, it was also very windy and very cold!

The walk to the beach took me past mud flats and moody guls, Littlehampton’s yacht club and golf club, and then onto the boardwalk across the dunes. Either side of the walk was fenced off conservation area for ground nesting birds and to my right I found Littlehampton Fort. It was mostly overgrown but you could definitely see parts of the outer walls. I’m assuming there have been issues in the past (I hope not currently – it’s far too cold!) as there is always a reason for signs and the “This is not a nudist beach” made me chuckle to myself a little.

I rounded a bend and the view of the ocean from the top of the dune was spectacular and from the photos, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was the height of summer! The sky was a brilliant blue and the sun was casting its brilliant light on the sea to create bright reflections on the waves rolling in. In person, I was well aware it was not summer as the wind blowing in from over the sea was bitterly cold but now, I was at the beach, I wondered what treasures I might find and then mentally kicked myself for forgetting to bring a bag!

Stunning view of Littlehampton's West Beach SSSI Nature Reserve from the boardwalk over the dunes.

As I combed the beach, I was quickly delighted to find dozens of smallspotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicular) egg cases or mermaid’s purses that had been washed up with the various seaweeds. A little further along I also found the case from an undulate ray (Raja undulata).

There weren’t just egg cases to look at though and I became quite distracted by some ruddy turnstones (Arenaria interpres) feeding, bathing and generally playing at the very edge of the incoming waves. I was surprised how close I was able to get without bothering them – I didn’t push it too far; I didn’t want them to fly off.

There were other sights to be seen along the beach and despite how cold it was, it was absolutely glorious to be there. The recent bad weather had landed quite a few cuttlefish “bones” as well as empty egg cases and lots of driftwood. I also found a baby smallspotted catshark that had washed up. When it moved, I tried to rescue it. It wasn’t too happy about being picked up and struggled so I quickly walked into the sea, without taking off my boots and helped it into the outgoing wash. In all honesty, its chances were very slim but better than being left on the beach.

With my wet feet, I carried on along the beach and headed back up towards the dunes. On the way I spotted some more turnstones; something disturbed them and they took off as a flock and I got to watch them for a bit.

Some shark egg cases are called mermaid's purses. These are from a smallspotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicular).

I found the path to take me back to the marina and although it started well, it didn’t take long before the path became very muddy and I was regretting my choice to go back that way. On the way I did see some cool lichen, lots of birds and some angelica in flower, all of which made it worth it. By the time I got back to the centre, my boots were not only wet, but now also caked in mud. I was cold, wet and muddy but had thoroughly enjoyed my little adventure. I warmed myself with a cup of tea and some toast and went upstairs to my little, warm office.

Once I was warm enough to be able to think properly again, I went onto the Sharks Trust’s website to ID and record the egg cases, did a bit of photo sorting and editing and felt quite happy with the days work. It’s tough owning a dive centre but it’s okay, with days like these, I think I’ll cope.

Treasures from the beach including some oyster shells (Ostrea edulis), smallspotted catshark (S. canicular) mermaid's purses and a mermaid's purse from an undulate ray (Raja undulata)

Enjoy your next trip to the beach and remember to take some bags with you so you can collect your own treasure and remove any rubbish you might find.