Exploring Marsden Bay

Believe it or not (I'm sure you will believe it because it's nothing out of the ordinary for me), I still have multiple posts of photos from our 30 Days Wild way back in June to feature here!
30 Days Wild is an annual event held by The Wildlife Trusts to encourage us to get out and take part in 'Random Acts Of Wildness' every day in June. This year was my 6th year taking part and during the month I took two visits to one of my favourite places - Marsden Bay!
To see the first set of photos where I was Exploring Marsden Rock < click that link < and to see a different view of the Bay and our beautiful birds...continue on.


Also, check out the rest of this year's 30 Days Wild posts below:

30 Days Wild // Week 1
30 Days Wild // Week 2
30 Days Wild // Week 3
30 Days Wild // Week 4

I love this place, it's difficult to express how much it means to mean. Think Moana, but super white North East coastal life haha. Although I don't completely love where I currently live (South Tyneside) and my heart belonging further North, at least I do have Marsden close that I know I can go to when I need it. 

It doesn't feel right to end this without again mentioning the Bird Flu epidemic. Sadly, at the tail end of our breeding season, just as the Kittiwakes were entering fledgling time, Bird Flu was confirmed on our bay on August 18th. Bird flu is deadly, highly contagious and has had such a devastating effect this past year or so.  
If you come across any sick or dead birds please do not touch them. Keep your dogs on leads and away from birds (always! not just during bird flu outbreaks. It annoys me to no end when people allow their dogs to chase birds!!) and report dead or sick birds to DEFRA on 0345 9335577.

Another final point, keep the sea plastic free. Pick up any rubbish you come across while exploring the stunning coastlines we are so lucky to have. Do what you can in your daily life to live more eco-friendly and preserve our planet. 

Make sure to pop on over and check out the sister post for this - Exploring Marsden Rock!
Until next time...

Exploring Marsden Rock

 

Following on from my 30 Days Wild posts, I have a handful of additional adventures to share. 
On the 13th of June I, for some reason, got up the confidence to take myself on a solo exploration to Marsden Bay. I dropped Mr H off at work and drove down to the seafront for an early morning walk and paddle. 

I know that the sea and coast, in general, are healing, but I think after growing up in a seaside town with a view of the sea from my bedroom window and sea air in my lungs daily, it really helps me to be nearby the coast. 
It's been a very up and down few years for me, so somehow I managed to build myself up to go alone to one of my happy places. It's unbelievable the magic that the sea holds. Just getting to feel the sand between my toes and the water wash over my feet was so healing. Of course, it doesn't cure my ailments or take away my sadness, but it helps.

In the few photos below you'll see that I was lucky enough to spot Sand Martins swooping, hear the Kittiwakes and Herring Gulls calling, quickly snap a Rock Pipit and Commorants perching on the rock, watch the Razorbills playing in the sea, spend time with some of my favourites, Rock Doves and photograph the local famous Fulmar!

Something happy to mention is that although I had my litter picker in tow, all I found to pick up was 1 lone can of beer. Marsden seems to be (at least before the peak season arrives) somewhat unruined by humans. A great feat and wonderful for all of the nesting birds!

Since moving to South Tyneside I've had some lovely walks at Marsden. It's different when you are alone though, and with a relatively empty beach. On this day the tide was out far enough that I got to explore somewhere I hadn't had the chance to before - inside Marsden Rock! It was magical and actually somewhat spooky to walk or should I say climb over the rocks and through the arches in Marsden Rock. 
I ended my visit with one last walk through the water and said goodbye to all the nesting Kittiwakes and Razorbills. 

This wasn't my last beach visit of June however, so look out for more seaside escapades coming soon...
Until next time.