AN EDUCATION centre is running their first Seashore Safari since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is inviting people to explore the shores of Charmouth Beach tomorrow (Good Friday, April 15) to discover which creatures are living on the ledges and how they survive in ever changing conditions.

Spokeswoman from the centre, Alison Ferris said: "We've noticed over the last few years changes to the species we find here in response to climatic and local environmental changes.

"It will be interesting to see which creatures will be spotted this year."

The centre will be recording crab species for the Sea Change Project at the Marine Biological Association.

The data will enable researchers to identify any changes to which species are living around our coasts.

The last survey before the pandemic showed only shore crabs in the survey area of Charmouth, however staff have already spotted a velvet swimming crab while out doing a recce of the area.

The centre will be exploring the rockpools as well as the ledges and previously have found blennies, five bearded rocklings, gobies, butterfish, sea anemones, many types of seashells and more recently invasive species such as Oyster Thief and Wireweed.

Ms Ferris said: "The invasive species are also important to note and record.

"Interestingly we have found where wireweed appears our sea anemones have declined or moved to other areas, which represents competition of habitat.

"Later in the year we hope to run a seaweed survey of the area too, which will record the spread of invasive species for the Natural History Museum and Marine Conservation Society."

The event will cover lots of curriculum-based topics, such as food chains, adaptation, climate and environmental change and information about pollution and plastics and how they can harm the seashore creatures. The event is open to everyone of all ages but booking in advance is essential.

Good footwear is a must as the area can be slippery and wet. If you miss this event, the centre will run more throughout the year. Find out more details and book on the website https://charmouth.org/chcc/