Sussex Shoresearch
Shoresearch is a volunteer scheme to identify and record animals, plants and habitats along our shoreline. The aim of the project is to build a baseline of data on intertidal wildlife around Sussex to help promote its conservation.
What does Shoresearch do?
The Sussex Shoresearch team organises a programme of survey events throughout the year when we visit selected sites around the coast and collect a record of the species and habitats we find.
We conduct a variety of different surveys, including general 'walkover' surveys as well as more quantitative studies using quadrats and timed species searches. We usually survey for 2 - 3 hours.
We've surveyed a number of different locations over the years - this is where we went in 2023
You can read further information about what we achieved in 2021 in the below newsletter:
Can I join?
We welcome volunteers of all ability and experience to join Shoresearch. The survey events provide a great opportunity for those new to marine life identifications and marine surveys to learn in the field from experienced Shoresearchers.
Shoresearch events are generally not suitable for young children, and we ask not to bring dogs. We ask that any volunteers wishing to get involved who are under 18 years old get in touch with us directly prior to registering.
How to get involved:
If you would like to join Shoresearch you can sign up to our emailing list via the form at the bottom of this page. For more information please you contact our Living Seas team by emailing [email protected]
We require all volunteers to be registered as a volunteer with Sussex Wildlife Trust. You can register by simply completing this online form.
Please see the Upcoming Events below for details of where we will be surveying.
For surveys, please bring:
- Appropriate clothing for weather conditions on the day (warm clothing and waterproof trousers are often useful; sun protection)
- Sturdy footwear - wellies or other waterproof footwear, preferably with good ankle support
- Drinking water
- A hand lens is useful, if you have one
- Washing-up gloves are useful for poking about in rock-pools in cold weather!
- Collins Pocket Guide to the Sea Shore of Britain and Northern Europe is a useful field guide (although not essential)
Upcoming Events:
Sussex Shoresearch is all finished for the 2024 season; we will be recommencing our activities in the spring.
The 2025 schedule will be published in due course, please sign up to our emailing list (below) to be the first to hear or email [email protected] for more information!
More opportunities to get involved...
As of 2022, we are pleased to be partnering with Mulberry Marine Experiences (MME) to expand our Shoresearch survey activity. MME will be conducting their own surveys using our methodologies and supplying the data to us. Please see the MME website for details on their surveys and how to book.