Sue's Photographs.
Terry's Photographs.
Below - some of the litter pickings being delivered to the harbour office….
and some more at Norton Spit.
We’ve beach cleaned both of these areas before but this year the usual parking on the Green was scuppered by the funfair being in place. But that won't stop us! Instead we started at our old favourite, Fort Victoria – taking the opportunity of the free parking but as it were in return litter picking the beach at the Fort and it’s lovely surroundings.
Then it was off to Norton Spit. This is one of only two sand dune habitats on the Island – the other being The Duver where we were working a couple of weeks ago. Norton boasts several sand specialists growing well, Marram Grass and Sea Holly see the photos and description. In the adjacent salt marsh Sea Lavender was in full bloom too! We collected a lot of small material from here and set off after tea towards the Mill at Yarmouth. Along the route litter picking bags more assorted detritus.
All in all, a lovely walk interspersed by the feel good and distracting beach cleaning activities.
Sue and Alisons' Nature Notes.
Few plants can live near the water's edge and those that do are well adapted to the conditions. The purple flowers of sea lavender brighten the saltmarsh in the summer, while in autumn its leaves provide perfect camouflage for migrating butterflies. If salt levels are too high, sea lavender can get rid of it through pores in its leaves.
Sea holly grows in the sand dunes, another difficult environment as the dunes are unstable and there is very little water. The plant has very deep roots, making it more stable and able to reach water. Sea holly is a member of the carrot family and can store water in its roots. It has thick leaves to prevent water loss, and beautiful blue flowers in the summer.
Many thanks to Sue, Alison and Terry for the photographs this week and to Mark for the editorial.
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