Life on the Lower Shore

A huge rockpool

The lowest section of the shore is only uncovered by the tide on certain days of the year. Kimmeridge Bay is so shallow that it can almost be considered as a huge rockpool, with ledges projecting into it like jetties, creating platforms for viewing the plants and animals that prefer to stay underwater as much as possible.

A miniature heather garden

More delicate looking seaweeds occur, forming a miniature heather garden on the seabed. Some of these are coral-like, with "skeletons" of chalk. The tamarisk or magic seaweed is a victim of its own beauty - it is a strong, iridescent blue in the water but turns plain brown when removed. It shows a steady decline during the summer as people pick it to see the 'magic' effect. There are almost always some loose pieces washed up on the beach to experiment with.

Japanese Seaweed

No amount of casual picking will affect the distribution of Japanese seaweed. This incredible fast-growing seaweed was introduced to Britain in the 1970s from the Pacific and is now flourishing in the reserve. It truly deserves the name sea weed and has defied all attempts to eradicate it.

However, it can be said to have some redeeming qualities - small fish and shrimps can take refuge among its dense canopy and it provides some shelter from the sun in an area where there is little other cover. The bright colours of the finer red seaweeds are otherwise soon faded by the strong summer sun.

shore clingfish