Take a plunge into the magical underwater world at Portrush

Join the Ulster Wildlife Trust and Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust for a voyage of discovery on Friday, 10 August at the Coastal Zone in Portrush, to uncover the weird and wonderful creatures that live on our rocky seashore.

From see-through shrimps and creative hermit crabs, to blood-red sea anemones and steadfast limpets, there’s an enormous number of interesting creatures waiting to be found in these miniature underwater worlds.

Keen rock poolers will also have the chance to take part in ‘real’ science by searching for plants and animals that are indicators of climate change, with the results feed into a national online database, as part of the UK-wide Shore Thing Project.

“This event is a great opportunity for both adults and kids to get out and explore the seashore and experience for themselves the stunning diversity of marine wildlife that lives on the Causeway Coast – which has just been awarded European protection for the harbour porpoise,” says Kerri Whiteside, Living Seas Community Engagement Officer with the Ulster Wildlife Trust.

“As well as having lots of fun, we hope the event will help everyone understand the importance of protecting our vital marine habitats for the future, and inspire people to join us on our journey towards Living Seas, where wildlife thrives from the depths of the oceans, to the coastal shallows.”

The rock pool ramble will take place from 3.00pm to 5.30pm. Suitable footwear and clothing is recommended. All ages welcome.

This is a free event to celebrate The Wildlife Trusts’ National Marine Week