Sea Slugs and Squirts

The village is very fortunate in having a resident who is an expert on the local flora, fauna and geology. During the winter Trevor Potts takes his skills south, far south, to work as a guide on cruise ships in the Antarctic, while in the summer he runs the Study Centre and Campsite along the Ormsaigbeg road. Although it's a small site, it has won praise in recent editions of both The Guardian and The Times, as well as featuring in coolcamping.co.uk, who described it as 'inexplicably special'.

The campsite, as well as enjoying panoramic views down the Sound of Mull, overlooks an unusual, T-shaped coastal feature which is only visible at low tide - Bogha Caol Ard.

The other day, taking advantage of a spring tide, Trevor took time away from his busy campsite to survey some of the sea creatures which live amongst the rocks and kelp. The wealth and variety of life he found amazed him. Here are two photographs he took:

In this picture, a sea star squirt sits on top of an unidentified species with, on the right, a breadcrumb sponge....

...and here a sea slug which gives off a vivid purple dye sits on an exposed rock, it's gills visible along its back.

Visitors to the campsite not only enjoy a unique camping experience, they can also take advantage of Trevor's expertise. During the summer he runs expeditions which are wonderful for children as well as adults, and gives lectures at the study centre he runs on the site.

Trevor's website is here.