A Cumbria Wildlife Trust shore survey of the Walney Channel, off Barrow-in-Furness, spotted the Sagartiogeton undatus, commonly named the small snakelocks, on a rock in the shallow flowing water.

It is the first sighting of the anemone since 1991, in the same area, which is the only one on record. Anemones like rocks to cling to, making it rare in the north-west due to the sandy shores. Walney provides a little pocket of diversity between the rocky shores of north Wales and southern Scotland, making it perfect for observing a range of species.

Snakelocks are found to the south of Cumbria and as far south as the Mediterranean Sea. They have long, flowing tentacles and are usually a bright green colour, sometimes with purple or scarlet tips to the tentacles. Snakelocks tend to be found in the sunny pools. They have stinging tentacles in which they trap their prey.

The finding is great news for Cumbria Wildlife Trust and Marine Conservation Engagement Officer Nikki Taylor said: “This is an interesting find and shows the range of biodiversity that can turn up on our surveys. It again proves the wide variety of life we have in the Irish Sea.”

The Trust is running a new programme of surveys under Shoresearch, training volunteers to identify and record species found all around the coast. Diversity in an eco-system is important for a healthy balance, so seeing this anemone, along with other species, is an indicator of water quality.

Nikki said: “It’s a great way to get out on your stretch of beach and look at the species found there in a whole new way, whilst contributing to the marine data of the North West. Anyone can join in; all you need is an interest in getting out on the coast and a little spare time to offer.”

For more information on joining the project, or about the marine work that Cumbria Wildlife Trust is involved with, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.irishsea.org