Coastal Watchers: Join the Sidmouth Marine Monitoring Project
Free event, pre-booking essential due to limited capacity. Bookings open early September.
Interested in finding out more about our local marine life? Join us for a hands-on marine monitoring event at Connaught Gardens
This event is part of a day of events on Saturday 17 October 2026 examining marine life.
Over the last few years Sidmouth and East Devon Coast had some exciting sightings of large marine animals, including Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton), Bottlenose dolphin (Lyme Regis), leatherback turtle (Seaton).
While Common Dolphins, Atlantic Grey Seals, Harbour Porpoises, and a variety of marine birds are regular visitors to Sidmouth (and its wider Lyme Bay area) these enigmatic animals aren’t regularly monitored. Though that is about to change.
Join:
- Coral Smith, Devon Wildlife Trust’s Marine Engagement Officer as she hosts a Southwest SeaQuest to record cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), and seals in Sidmouth Bay.
- Rick Morris, MARINElife’s Trustee and Training Officer, who will share his expertise in how to − identify large marine animals and birds − monitor marine birds
- Dr Emma Pilgrim, Bearing Fruit’s awarding winning naturalist, to find out how you get involved in regular Sidmouth sea life monitoring sessions.
IMPORTANT Things to know
- This is a free event, though donations are very welcome
- Free tickets must be booked in advance through Eventbrite
- Please let us know, if after booking your ticket, you are unable to attend, so that someone else can enjoy the event
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, who will supervisor them
- Please bring binoculars and or a telescope if you have them
- Please dress suitably for the weather and the activity by wearing: sturdy shoes; wind/waterproof clothing; sun cream, if the sun is out
- Bring water and refreshments, if needed, the Clock Tower Cafe is nearby