Pool-life

Anyone who’s spent time at the beach in their childhood will know that rock-pooling is one of the most satisfying beach pastimes there is, and we here at the Oakeley Arms Hotel couldn’t agree more. We’ve got miles and miles of beautiful beaches close-by, so what better time to explore the shallows and discover a whole new world of rock-pool wonders?

At first glance, rock-pools may look like simple, shallow habitats but dig a little deeper and you’ll find a whole host of different sea creatures and daily dramas. Rock-pools are quite fragile environments because they are constantly changing – the water levels change, oxygen levels rise and fall, predators come and go and the amount of space and food in the rock-pool is always fluctuating, meaning there is fierce competition for the best spot and the best food. Even sea creatures you might think of as being pretty dull, like limpets and sea anemones are actually engaging in constant battles to protect themselves against predators and to make sure they stay in the best rock-pool spot.

Some of the creatures you might find in rock-pools on the beaches near the Oakeley Arms Hotel & Self Catering Cottages in Snowdonia  include cushion stars, shrimps, pike fish, sea slugs, porcelain crabs, dog whelks, hermit crabs and anemones.

Image by Ground000 on sxc.hu

There are loads of good beaches nearby that have fantastic rock-pooling potential. Try the coves of Borth-y-Gest, the famous Black Rocks at Morfa Bychan, the shallows of Harlech beach or the edges of the sands at Barmouth.

Don’t forget to check the tides before you set off, and be very careful of the incoming tide while you’re out – don’t get so distracted by the fabulous rock-pool creatures that you get stranded and cut off. Take with you a small net, a good bucket (a clear one is good so that kids can see through the plastic) and wear some sturdy shoes. And don’t forget to go gently – treat the animals, fish and plants you encounter with care and always put them back where you found them.

Rock-pooling is a perfect sunny day beach activity that big and little kids will love. See you on the beach!