Wildlife to look out for on the Seawall and Beach in Lyme Regis
By Chris Andrew, Fossilwise
For most of my fossil walks we walk along the sea wall to get onto the beach where we collect fossils. The sea wall was built to protect Lyme Regis from coastal erosion.
As you walk along the seawall keep an eye open for interesting things, not just fossils! In summer it is not unusual to see common lizards basking in the sun, always close to cover such as overhanging bramble shoots. You will also see many of the common species of butterfly, and sometimes one you might not be familiar with. It is often overlooked as it appears like one of the common species of white butterflies at first glance. It is a rarer species called the Wood White; it is more recognisable at a distance by its weak fluttering flight. You also see Jersey Tiger moths; many people think they are a butterfly due to their bright hind wings and because they fly in the daytime.
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Bushes close to the seawall provide food plants for caterpillars and other insects. The Buff Tip moth is particularly distinctive and easy to spot as its caterpillars huddle together in groups when they are young. You might occasionally see Hawkmoth caterpillars with their distinctive hooked tails. They are wonderfully camouflaged and much harder to spot.
Wood White Butterfly
Jersey Tiger Moth
Common Lizard Sunbathing on the Sea Wall
Buff Tip Moth Caterpillar
Eyed Hawkmoth
On the beach we have seen seals on several occasions. Often these have been rescued as pups and so are much more tolerant of people. However, do not approach them closely, or allow your dog to do so. They are still wild animals and are tolerant, not tame. On no account try to touch or stroke one. Another occasional beach sighting is the hydrozoan called the Portuguese man o’ war. At a distance it looks a bit like a piece of plastic rubbish washed up on the beach. Again, don’t touch it due to the stinging cells on its long trailing tentacles.
There are many other interesting things to see on Lymes beaches and a look in the rockpools at low tide can be very rewarding. I might well put up an article about that at some point in the future.
Young seal on the beach, Black Ven, Lyme Regis
Portuguese Man O' War, Lyme Regis
If you see a seal on the beach, do not approach. Many of the fossilers take it upon themselves to 'stand guard', protecting the seal from unwanted interaction with tourists. And, I suppose, preventing the tourists from getting a nasty bite. Most seals will return to the water by themselves. If the seal looks abandoned, thin, ill or injured call the BDMLR Rescue Hotline on 01825 765546.