Lumpsucker, lava and a low-tide seal count

The last week has seen the completion of the Blakeney Point lifeboat house refurbishment works and on Friday evening the ranger team comprising Ajay, Paul & Matt moved out there for the season. Here are some of the team in front of the new doors. 

From left: Rangers Paul, Chris & Ajay, Visitor Services manager Iain and myself, 

with John Sizer behind the camera

Paul, Ajay and Matt were left with piles of boxes to unpack and prepare the visitor centre for opening as well as carrying out a beach clean that was deferrd due to the appalling weather of late. 

Monday saw the first low-tide seal count of the season and 862 greys and 250 common were observed hauled-out. 

Yesterday some of the ranger team were at the Little Tern Working group talking about sharing thoughts about little tern and ringed plover conservation in Norfolk. It was good to meet with other site staff from RSPB, Norfolk Wildlife Trust and Natural England and Tim Venes from Norfolk Coast AONB ahead of the breeding season and there were lots of positive ideas and actions coming from it. 

Whilst we were in the meeting, Will Soar and Dave Andrews had an interesting visit to Blakeney Point and discovered two items on the shoreline that are not regulary seen.

The first was a lumpsucker, a deep water species of fish that I haven't come across before. 

 Photo taken by Will Soar, thanks for sharing!

You can see how it got its name: The modified pelvic fins allow it to attach to substrate deep down on the sea bed and with its small fins, it probably won't be winning any swimming competitions any time soon.

The other find was a lump of lava (scoria). I have never come across this before either despite lots of beachcombing over the years. 

Photo by Will Soar

We would be interested to know if you have ever found either of these. Please let us know at norfolkcoast@nationaltrust.org.uk

Victoria, Countryside Manager