Marine Natural History of Lee Bay, Lynton, North Devon, UK

Lee Bay, Lynton. Source: Dan Lay/Lee Abbey Devon, May 2017.

Hannah F. R. Hereward1,2,* Rachel Oates3 and Robert D. Sluka 4 1 A Rocha UK, 18/19 Avenue Road, Southall, Middlesex UB1 3BL, UK. 2School of Marine Sciences and Engineering, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK. 3 Lee Abbey, Lynton, North Devon, EX35 6JJ, UK. 4Lead Scientist, Marine and Coastal Conservation Programme, A Rocha International, 89 Worship Street, London EC2A 2BF, UK

*Corresponding author: [email protected].

Suggested reference: Hereward, H.F.R., Oates, R. and Sluka, R.D., 2017. Marine Natural History of Lee Bay, Lynton, North Devon, UK. 44pp.

Summary Lee Bay, Lynton forms part of the North Devon coastline, which is part of the central southern boundary of the Bristol Channel. This coastline terrain is formed of Devonian slate and the Lynton Formation. While much research has been conducted on the geology, geography and archaeology, little research has been conducted on the ecology of the intertidal or subtidal area. This report summarises the intertidal ecological knowledge of Lee Bay, the potential threats to this ecosystem, the active organisations within this area and points to potential further work, especially as this stretch of coastline is part of the Bideford to Foreland Point Marine Conservation Zone, within Exmoor National Park and within the transition zone of the North Devon Biosphere Reserve. This is to provide a baseline for anyone interested in conducting further surveys in the future. Few reports and little data cover this part of the North Devon coastline. However, one report from 40 years ago conducted biological surveys across Exmoor National Park’s rocky shores, including two around Lee Bay. Combined species lists from previous studies and this study’s fieldwork reached 110 intertidal species. Some interesting species of note include: one sandy habitat marine worm (a polychaete - Nephtys sp.), this low number reflects the lack of nutrients retained in the coarse sand that would usually attract polychaetes and other sand dwelling species. Furthermore, six different species of anemone were identified - beadlet (Actinia equina) and snakelocks anemones (Anemonia viridis) being the two most common. In addition, this study also identified two top shells (the thick top shell (Phorcus (Osillinus) lineatus) and flat or purple top shell (Gibbula umbillicalis)). These can be useful climate change indicators. We conclude that Lee Bay has a low to medium species richness and diversity. However, the comparison of the species lists from 40 years ago to the present indicates that the species assemblage has not changed much. In light of various increasing pressures on the UK coastal species and habitats, this is a positive sign for the future of Lee Bay. However, these pressures, including pollution and climate change induced sea warming, are likely to become increasingly prevalent in the coming years.

Table of Contents

Summary ...... i Introduction ...... 1 Natural History ...... 1 Intertidal Marine Ecology ...... 2 North Devon ...... 4 Aims and Objectives ...... 7 Methods ...... 7 Site Selection - Lee Bay, Lynton ...... 7 Desktop Research ...... 8 Fieldwork - Habitat Mapping and Species Abundance ...... 8 Results ...... 10 Previous Research on Lee Bay ...... 10 Species Findings ...... 11 Phase 1 Habitat Survey ...... 14 Discussion ...... 15 Lee (Abbey) Bay, Lynton ...... 15 Ecology...... 15 Conservation Groups and Designated Areas ...... 18 Threats and Conservation Issues ...... 19 Anthropogenic Climate Change ...... 19 Pollution ...... 20 Fishing and Over Harvesting ...... 20 Energy Production ...... 21

Conclusions and Future Management? ...... 23 Acknowledgements ...... 25 References ...... 26 Appendices ...... 31 Appendix 1 – List of species from all surveys identified for the intertidal zone of Lee Bay, Lynton ...... 31 Appendix 2 – List of species from all surveys identified for the subtidal zone of Lee Bay, Lynton ...... 37 Appendix 3 – JNCC Phase 1 biotope descriptions and conservation status within the Bideford to Foreland Point Marine Conservation Zone ...... 40 Appendix 4 – Bideford to Foreland Point Marine Conservation Zone protected features (source: DEFRA, 2016) ...... 42

Introduction Natural History Ecological science has become extremely specialised and we often assume we know all we need to know about the world around us in order to conserve it. Yet beginning a research project in a location that is new to a researcher or organisation raises many questions as to how to move forward conservation efforts. What species are there? What habitats are even possible to study? What do we already know?

Lee Bay, Lynton (herein referred to as Lee Bay) is the home of Lee Abbey Devon, a Christian conference centre (51°13'40.19"N, 3°51'58.66"W) (Figure 1). Significant conservation work has been completed on the land looked after by Lee Abbey Devon (supported by A Rocha UK), but there became a desire to begin to explore how to take better care of the marine environment. In order to investigate marine conservation options for this site, we needed to understand what is there and what has already been done. Time and resources limited the scope of this study and so we focused our field research on one particular habitat, the intertidal zone (defined as the area between the high water mark and low water mark). Literature surveys were completed to understand the wider ecology and to collate any previous data on the species assemblage of Lee Bay.

Figure 1. Location of Lee Abbey, Devon (51°13'40.19"N, 3°51'58.66"W) within the UK (A) and the location/boundary of Lee Abbey, Devon including local designations - Exmoor National Park, Bideford to Foreland Point Marine Conservation Zone, North Devon Biosphere Reserve and West Exmoor Coast and Woods Site of Special Scientific Interest, within Devon (B) and within North Devon (C) and a photograph of Lee Bay, Lynton (D). Maps complied with data from the North Devon Biosphere Reserve and OS data with permission from Lee Abbey Devon. Map produced by Hannah Hereward, 2017.

Intertidal Marine Ecology The intertidal zone represents the interface of land and sea. This zone is exposed to the elements at low tide and then inundated with seawater at high tide. The assemblage of species in intertidal marine ecology is influenced by this physical environment as well as the interdependence of intertidal organisms and wider scale interactions between all the marine environments (Little et al. 2009). These all interact around four key gradients: sea-to-land, horizontal wave action, particle size and marine- freshwater (Dahlhoff et al. 2002, Raffaelli and Hawkins 2012). Across these gradients, and between interactions of them, abiotic (physical) and biotic (biological) factors play key roles in determining the species assemblages and the unique zonation pattern for each shoreline (Raffaelli and Hawkins 2012).

Among the various biotic factors influencing intertidal plant and animal morphological, physiological and (for animals) behavioural mechanisms; aerial exposure and wave action are of particular note (Dahlhoff et al. 2002, Raffaelli and Hawkins 2012). Depending on the location across the sea-to-land gradient, plants and animals will have periods of time when they are emersed (out of the water) potentially causing loss of water (desiccation) through changes in air temperature, humidity, precipitation and evaporation (Thompson et al. 2002; Helmuth et al.. 2006 and references there in). The species assemblage is further influenced by the wave exposure, depending on their ability to be streamlined and avoid dislodgement (Thompson et al. 2002, Helmuth et al. 2006, Raffaelli and Hawkins 2012).

Alongside these mechanisms to deal with the physical factors; intertidal plants and animals have evolved to cope with biological factors through interacting and coexisting in this harsh environment (Thompson et al. 2002, Helmuth et al. 2006, Raffaelli and Hawkins 2012). These factors include: predation, grazing and competition for space and resources (Ballantine 1961, Helmuth et al. 2006, Raffaelli and Hawkins 2012).

There are many different threats that impact these physical and biological factors. These include anthropogenic climate change, predominantly noticed in the UK marine environment as increases in sea surface temperature (Dye et al. 2013), sea level rise (Phillips and Crisp 2010), increases in the frequency of storms (Uncles 2010, Phillips et al. 2013) and increases in the frequency of climate induced heat waves (Thompson et al. 2002, Helmuth et al. 2006, Hawkins et al. 2016). Other threats include, pollution (Abdullah and Royle 1974), over fishing (Rees et al. 2013) and coastal forms of energy production (Rees et al. 2013).

North Devon Lee Bay is situated in North Devon (Figure 1), near the twin town of Lynton and Lynmouth, and is influenced by the wider regional terrestrial, estuarine and marine processes. The North Devon coastline forms part of the central southern boundary for the Bristol Channel and consists of estuaries, sandy beaches, sand dunes, shingle, saltmarsh, up to 150m high rocky cliffs, wave-cut platforms and rocky shores (Radford 1994, CFAS 2000, Black 2003). The Bristol Channel reaches around 250km in length along its central line, and has a semi-diurnal tide cycle (happening twice-daily) which can reach up to 14m during spring tides - the second highest tidal range in the world (Uncles 2010, Willis et al. 2010, Fairley et al. 2014). The tidal currents are rectilinear (following parallel to a central line from the Severn Estuary out to the mouth of the Bristol Channel) and can reach over 1.5ms-1 during spring tides and 0.75ms-1 during neap tides (Phillips et al. 2013).

Within this stretch of North Devon coastline the terrain is formed of Devonian slate and the Lynton Formation. Devonian slate consists of sandstone and shale which dates back to between 415 and 360 million years BP, when it was underwater near the equator (Figure 2 number 49; Whittaker & Leveridge 2011). The content of the Lynton Formation is similar to that of Devonian slate, but includes marine fossils, indicating some shallow marine deposits in the past (Whittaker and Leveridge 2011). These marine fossils include crinoids (Figure 3; Fearnhead and Donovan 2015). This formation stretches from Lynmouth to Hollowbrook (Figure 2 numbers 49-51), encompassing The Valley of Rocks – a dry valley that runs almost parallel to the 150m North Devon coastal cliffs (Dalzell and Durrance 1980, Whittaker and Leveridge 2011, Fearnhead and Donovan 2015).

Figure 2. North Devon and west Somerset, showing the distribution of the Devonian rocks of the North Devon Basin. With Cornwall-Somerset inset map. Numbers refer to: 49 = Valley of Rocks (SS 702 492), 50 = Crock Point (SS 689 490), 51 = Hollowbrook (SS 664 497-SS 669 494), 52 = Little Hangman (SS 582 479-SS 594 483), 53 = Combe Martin Beach (SS 568 475-SS 583 478), 54 = Rillage Point (SS 539 483-SS 545 487), 55 = Barricane Beach (SS 454 443), 56 = Baggy Point (SS 447 408-SS 434 395), 57 = Downend (SS 435 389-SS 445 377), 58 = Fremington Quay (SS 517 340). Source: Figure 1 in: Whittaker and Leveridge 2011).

Figure 3. Crinoids found in fallen cliff rock on Wringcliff Bay (N51°13’54.1”, W003°51’42.1”), The Valley of Rocks. Hannah Hereward, 2016.

Also within this area of North Devon are well-preserved archaeological features spanning many ages in history. The archaeology of Exmoor National Park has been influenced principally by three factors: (1) historic farming, (2) historic iron mining and (3) Exmoor’s coastline providing means of communication and transport as well as being a tourist destination1. Within the moorland of the Valley of Rocks are bronze age field systems and settlements, including remains of cairns, hut circles and strip fields (Chanter 1907, Fyfe and Adams 2008). A geophysical survey conducted across the Valley of Rocks, during 2017, has also confirmed the presence of field systems that continue onto the Lee Abbey estate. In addition, Woody Bay and Lee Bay both house former limekilns (Kelly, no date; Pers. Obs., 2016). These would have been used to make quicklime from limestone brought over from South Wales to be used as a soil conditioner on the acidic peat farmland of Exmoor. The Lee Bay limekiln has been converted into a holiday dwelling called “The Chalet” and a small chapel. Furthermore, during the late 18th and early 19th centuries clay was mined in and around Crockpits, the area immediately west of Lee Bay. The clay was exported and used for glazing pottery (Pers. Coms.). However the ground was unstable and the workings were abandoned.

On Lee Bay itself are two manmade rock arrangements identified during 2016 (Figure 4). However, at the time of this report, it is unclear as to their age or purpose. Nevertheless, a Figure 4. Manmade rock arrangement on Lee Bay, Lynton. Unknown part of a wooden age or purpose. Hannah Hereward, 2016. post was found in one, which could indicate that they had been intended to hold a post upright.

1 Exmoor National Park website

Aims and Objectives This report aims to summarise the ecological knowledge of Lee Bay (also recorded as Lee Abbey Bay), the potential threats to this ecosystem and the active organisations within the area. We also report on fieldwork conducted to determine intertidal habitats and species diversity. This report was conducted in order to fill a knowledge gap and to provide a baseline for Lee Bay, Lynton in order to point to potential further research and conservation work, especially as this stretch of coastline is part of the Bideford to Foreland Point Marine Conservation Zone, within Exmoor National Park and within the transition zone of the North Devon Biosphere Reserve.

Methods Site Selection - Lee Bay, Lynton Lee Bay, Lynton (51°13'40.19"N, 3°51'58.66"W; Figure 1 and 5), is located on the Lee Abbey estate, within Exmoor National Park, at the edge of the West Exmoor Coast and Woods Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (Secretary of State 1986) and provides part of the land boundary for the Bideford to Foreland Point Marine Conservation Zone (DEFRA, 2016).

Figure 5. Lee Bay, Lynton (51°13'40.19"N, 3°51'58.66"W) looking north west towards the Bristol Channel mouth. Source: Dan Lay/Lee Abbey Devon, 2017.

Desktop Research Google Scholar was used to search for North Devon marine related publications. Further papers were searched for within the National Marine Biological Library, Plymouth. In addition, the local conservation and management authorities were contacted and asked if they had any published or unpublished reports and/or data of marine focus within the study area.

Fieldwork - Habitat Mapping and Species Abundance A Phase 1 Joint Nature Conservation Committee habitat survey was conducted on Lee Bay, Lynton, in June 2016 following Wyn et al. (2006) methodology. This involved annotating an aerial photograph of the bay with observations conducted on the beach and noting the different habitats and species using predefined habitat descriptions (Figure 6; Wyn et al., 2006).

Figure 6. Rough annotated maps from the Phase 1 Joint Nature Conservation Committee habitat survey conducted on Lee Bay, Lynton in June 2016.

Species specific surveys were conducted on the sandy habitat using a grid system in order to place at least four quadrats across each sandy habitat in October 2015 (Figure 7). This required placing a 25cm2 square (quadrat) on the sand and digging down 25cm to find any sand based species. In addition, three sand quadrats per habitat were analysed within each pre-defined sandy habitat during the September 2016 spring low tides (within sandy habitats that had not already been analysed in October 2015) (Davies et al. 2001).

Figure 7. Conducting sand quadrat surveys on Lee Bay, Lynton in October 2015. Hannah Hereward, 2015.

Within each of the other boulder/bedrock habitats, three, 50cm2 quadrats were analysed by recording the counts of all mobile species and the percentage cover of all non-mobile species (in September 2016). Opportunistic observations for species presence also occurred between August 2015 and May 2017.

Results Previous Research on Lee Bay Few published journal papers could be found. However, a search within Exmoor National Park’s reports (published and unpublished) and datasets found 12 documents, covering both reports and datasets, on marine life. While one of these concentrated on the West Exmoor Coast and Woods SSSI and not on the marine environment, four were specifically intertidal surveys (April Windle, pers. coms., 2016). The “Quality Status Report of the Marine and Coastal Areas of the Irish Sea and Bristol Channel” (CFAS 2000) contains little rocky shore information. Furthermore, Kelly (n.d.), an unpublished Exmoor National Park report covers Exmoor National Park’s coastal geography, geology, topography, archaeology and ecology (intertidal and subtidal). Within this, the only significant intertidal study at the time was by Holme and Nichols (1976). A copy of this was found within Exmoor National Park Authority’s report collection. It gives brief descriptions of 25 bays across Exmoor National Park’s coastline and comments that both Lee Bay East (Crock Point) and Lee Bay West (Duty Point) are poor beaches for wildlife. In addition to these descriptions are species lists for each site, the species listed have been added to the total species list for Lee Bay (Appendix 1) and graphically represented below (Figure 8). A more recent report supplied by the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre (Black 2003) provides a short summary of the history, intertidal and subtidal world of the North Devon coastline. However this report does not mention Lee Bay, Lynton, and concentrates on the areas where there have previously been surveys (Black 2003).

Alongside these reports are datasets from three sources, provided by Devon Biodiversity Records Centre. These included intertidal “Shore Search” surveys initiated by the Devon Wildlife trust (2013-2015) and subtidal surveys conducted across the North Devon coastline in the 1970s as part of the Subtidal Surveys of Great Britain (Devon Biodiversity Records Centre, 2016, Keith Hiscock, pers. coms., 2016) (Flint (2014) produced a report comparing Porlock and Gore Point 1970s data to 2014) and Seasearch surveys (a volunteer diving program started in the 1990s) (Summary Figures 8 and 12; Appendix 1). In addition, marine records from Lee Abbey have been collated (sightings board and bird transects).

Species Findings Through compiling previous species lists (Lee Abbey’s sighting board, regular bird transects, Shoresearch 2015 surveys and Holme and Nichols surveys (1976)) and this study’s records (94 species), a total of 110 intertidal species have been recorded for Lee Bay, Lynton (Figure 8). A full species list from all sources can be found in Appendix 1.

30 JNCC Phase 1 and 2 surveys (June and Sept 2016) (A Rocha UK, A Rocha International, Lee Abbey Devon) Sand quadrat surveys (29th October 2016) (A Rocha UK, A Rocha International, Lee Abbey Devon) 25 Lee Bay (Presence/Absence) - oportunistic observations August 2015- May 2017 (A Rocha UK, A Rocha International, Lee Abbey Devon) Bird surveys (A Rocha UK)

20 Lee Abbey sightings board (Lee Abbey Devon)

Shoresearch 2015 (Devon Wildlife Trust)

Duty Point (Holme and Nichols, 1976) 15

Crock Point (Holme and Nichols, 1976)

Number Number of different species 10

Figure 8. Cumulative species lists for Lee Bay, Lynton from 8 different sources: Crock Point and Duty Point (Holme and Nichols, 1976), Shoresearch 2015 (Devon Wildlife Trust), Lee Abbey species board (Lee Abbey Devon), Bird surveys (A Rocha UK), Lee Bay (Presence/Absence) - opportunistic observations August 2015-May 2017 (A Rocha UK/A Rocha International/ Lee Abbey Devon), Sand quadrat surveys (29th October 2015) (A Rocha UK/ A Rocha International/ Lee Abbey Devon), JNCC Phase 1 survey (June and Sept 2016) (A Rocha UK/ A Rocha International/ Lee Abbey Devon).

The interesting species noted include a single annelid found during this study’s sand quadrat surveys (Nephtys sp.; Figure 9. A single annelid (Nephtys sp.) found during sand Figure 8 and 9; Appendix quadrat surveys (October 2015). Source: Hannah Hereward, 2015. 2).

In addition, several gastropods were identified during the Phase 1 and 2 Habitat Surveys (September 2016). These were the thick top shell (Phorcus (Osillinus) lineatus) and flat or purple top shell (Gibbula umbillicalis).

When comparing this study to Holme and Nichols's (1976), 9 of the 37 species recorded were not found during this study. These include: two tubeworms, one crustacean, three lichens, one gastropod and two additional seaweeds. By contrast, the remaining 28 are still found. Included in these 28 are common mussels

Figure 10. Two species of sponge (Hymeniacidon (Mytilus edulis), and two perlevis = orange sponge and Halichondria species of sponge panicea = green sponge) and dog whelk eggs (Hymeniacidon perlevis and (Nucella lapillus = yellow oval eggs) on low tide Halichondria panicea) (Figure exposed bedrock on Lee Bay, Lynton. Source: Hannah Hereward, 2016. 10). Furthermore, there are various species found in this study that were not found by Holme and Nichols (1976). These include the anemones and lava sp.. Of the six species of anemone found during this study, the Beadlet anemone (Actinia equina) and Snakelocks anemone (Anemonia viridis) (Figure 11) were the most common.

Figure 11. Brown variant of Snakelocks anemone (Anemonia viridis) in a rock pool in the mid-tide bedrock on Lee Bay. Hannah Hereward, 2016.

Combining the two North Devon South West British Subtidal Surveys conducted in Lee Bay and off Duty Point, a total of 65 subtidal species were recorded (Figure 12; Appendix 2).

35 Duty Point (SWBSS, Devon Biodiversity Records Centre) Off Lee Abbey Bay (SWBBS, Devon Biodiversity Records Centre) 30

Number Number of diferent species 5

Figure 12. Subtidal cumulative species lists for Lee Bay, South West British Subtidal Surveys 1978-79.

For these subtidal surveys, the interesting species of note include the Devonshire cup coral (Caryophyllia smithii) and Ross coral (Pentapora fascialis).

Phase 1 Habitat Survey Alongside the species list, 17 different habitats were identified during the JNCC phase 1 habitat survey in June 2016 (Figure 13; see Appendix 3 for Lifeform biotopes descriptions). In addition, the watercourses, rhododendron bushes and sewage pipeline were also mapped.

Figure 13. Location of Lee Abbey, Devon (51°13'40.19"N, 3°51'58.66"W) within the UK (A), within North Devon (B), a photograph of Lee Bay, Lynton (C) and 17 different habitats found across Lee Bay, Lynton (D). Surveyed 4th June 2016. Aerial photograph used is complied from drone photographs taken 8th May 2016, Low Tide: 13:53, 0.3m. See Appendix 3 for key descriptions. Map also includes watercourses, rhododendron bushes and the sewage pipeline.

Discussion Lee (Abbey) Bay, Lynton Ecology The lack of marine ecological research, intertidal or subtidal, published or unpublished, indicates that the North Devon coastline is still highly understudied. In general, the North Devon coastline was described by Holme and Nichols (1976) as having a moderate or low richness and diversity in comparison to other parts of the South West. However, other reports comment on the richness of the area (April Windle, pers. coms., 2016; Devon Biodiversity Records Centre, 2016; Keith Hiscock, pers. coms., 2016) (Kelly n.d., CFAS 2000, Black 2003). Considering the detail of Holme and Nichols’s (1976) study, it is likely that there are pockets of richness as opposed to a generally high richness across the whole coastline. There is likely to be increasing richness the further away from the estuarine system the rocky shore is (Black 2003). In addition, the orientation of the beach to the sun is likely to influence the type and number of species found (Black 2003). The moderate to low richness and diversity commented by Holme and Nichols (1976) is reflected in this study’s species list and Phase 1 habitat survey.

The high or moderate intertidal (littoral) rock identified during the JNCC Phase 1 habitat survey would indicate that the intertidal zone of Lee Bay, Lynton, is highly or moderately exposed to the waves and tidal streams. This reflects anecdotal evidence, which noted that Lee Bay, Lynton, is subject to large sediment movements, especially during the autumn- winter storms. This was also seen by Holme and Nichols (1976) who observed highly mobile shores as being the likely reason for sparse algae in the mid to high tide zones. In addition, the little sand that is exposed at low tide is coarse, which would indicate little nutrient retention alongside a decreased salinity due to the river system, rainfall and other watercourses entering the beach via the cliffs (Whitlatch, 1977; Watson et al., 1984; Silva et al., 2006). This reflects the lack of polychaetes found during the October 2015 surveys (Whitlatch, 1977; Watson et al., 1984; Silva et al., 2006).. Furthermore, the day after storm-like conditions in the autumn, seaweed, dominated by kelp (Laminaria sp.) was often seen

washed up on the beach (Krumhansl and Scheibling 2012). This is unsurprising for kelp dominated rocky shores (Krumhansl and Scheibling 2012).

Other than the marine birds there are no recorded species of conservation concern in the marine intertidal zone of Lee Bay, Lynton. The conservation importance of the marine birds (Appendix 1) is categorised using the UK Red List for Birds2. From this list, those under greatest threat include the shag, herring gull and kittiwake, as they are UK Red Listed marine birds. However, of these Red Listed species only herring gulls have been seen to nest on the Lee Abbey estate, with the numbers of nests declining over recent years (Chris Baillie, 2016 Pers. Comms.). In addition, there are no intertidal species found that are a ‘feature’ in the Bideford to Foreland Point MCZ. However, two species historically recorded in the 1970s were on the Devon 2009 Biodiversity Action Plan species of importance (Devonshire cup coral, Caryophyllia smithii and Ross coral, Pentapora fascialis). Nevertheless, up-to-date subtidal surveys would need to be conducted in order to determine the importance of Lee Bay for these two species.

Some of the species found within Lee Bay could be used as climate indicators (Thompson et al. 2002). These include two typically southern, warm-water intertidal top shells, the thick top shell (Phorcus (Osillinus) lineatus) and flat or purple top shell (Gibbula umbillicalis). Both of these have been expanding their range northwards in response to the warming seas3. In addition, black-footed limpet (Patella depressa) populations have been increasing in response to the warming seas3. In addition, the honeycomb worm (Sabellaria alveolata) is also an indicator of climate change (increasing with increasing sea temperatures). However, it is likely that Lee Bay does not have enough sediment for the honeycomb worm to survive (pers. obs.). Nevertheless, this is one of the species for which the Bideford to Foreland Point MCZ was designated and has been historically recorded on Lowerblack head, Lynmouth (Black 2003).

2 British Trust for Ornithology website 3 Marine climate change impacts, Report Card 2013. Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership

The differences in species list from Holme and Nichols's (1976) compared to this study are not too surprising for three species as one lichen (Lichina pygmaea) was classified to species level in this study compared to in 1976 where it was classified to genus level. In comparison, two other species (one gastropod, Patella vulgata and one seaweed, Ulva lactuca) were classified to species level in 1976 but were only classified to genus level in this study. However, for the other species (the tubeworms, crusteacean, two lichen and one seaweed) it is likely they were missed due to this study’s observers having broad range of species identifying skills rather than specific families.

It is pleasing to see that 40 years on there are still common mussels (Mytilus edulis) and two species of sponge (Hymeniacidon perlevis and Halichondria panicea) as these all filter the water system and so can be an indicator of the local health (Thompson et al. 2002). In addition, the mussel population can be negatively affected if they gain too much metal contaminants (Thompson et al. 2002). However, a local ranger from Exmoor National Park Authority commented that the number of mussels on nearby Lynmouth Bay have declined in recent years (Pers. Comms. 2016).

Amongst the many species that were found in this study but not by Holme and Nichols (1976), the anemones and lava sp. are of particular note. Fewer species of anemones were recorded in 1976 compared to this study. In addition, no lava sp. were recorded in 1976. Both of these are likely due to Crock Point and Duty Point not having suitable habitats. For example, some of the anemones are more likely to be found in areas with tide pools, such as the bedrock between the eastern and western sections of Lee Bay where a brown variant of snakelocks anemones (Anemonia viridis) were prolific during this study (pers. obs.).

Conservation Groups and Designated Areas Across the North Devon coast various organisations interact with the coastal environment. These include Exmoor National Park Authority (stretching across both Devon and Somerset), Devon Wildlife Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust, the National Trust, North Devon Biosphere Reserve, Coastwise North Devon and Lee Abbey Devon, in partnership with A Rocha UK.

The area has several conservation designations of importance. Exmoor National Park has been designated since 1954 in order “to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Parks and to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Parks by the public”4.

The West Exmoor Coast and Woods Sites of Special Scientific Interest was designated above Woody Bay in 1972 (revised in 1976). It stretches 9km along the coastline, covering the ancient Sessile Oak woodland to the rocky shore platforms with over 200m of maritime cliff (Secretary of State 1986).

The Bideford to Foreland Point MCZ was one of 23 recommended sites (rMCZ’s) in the second tranche of designations (DEFRA, 2016). This MCZ covers around 104 km2 of the North Devon coastline. The second tranche sites were put forward in order to ‘fill in gaps’ for specific species and/or to provide linking areas. This specific MCZ was designated in January 2016 for a wide range of habitats and species and to provide connectivity along the North Devon and Cornwall coast (DEFRA, 2016). A full list of protected features and the general management guidance can be found in Appendix 4 (DEFRA, 2016). Features of note for Lee Bay’s intertidal zone include: high energy intertidal rock, moderate energy intertidal rock, littoral coarse sediment, littoral sand and moderate energy infralittoral rock. These habitats provide shelter and food for a broad range of species that have to cope with abiotic factors that impact the intertidal zone and aid in providing wider connectivity between other MCZs along the North coast of Devon and Cornwall (DEFRA 2016).

4 Exmoor National Park website

Threats and Conservation Issues The increasing threats and pressures on the UK coastal marine environment include: anthropogenic climate change (Thompson et al. 2002, Helmuth et al. 2006, Phillips and Crisp 2010, Uncles 2010, Dye et al. 2013, Phillips et al. 2013, Hawkins et al. 2016), pollution (Abdullah and Royle 1974), over fishing/ harvesting (Raybaud et al. 2013, Rees et al. 2013) and coastal forms of energy production (Rees et al. 2013).

Anthropogenic Climate Change Storms have become more frequent in recent years. This is prevalent in the Bristol Channel where storm surges can add over 1.5m to the sea level (Uncles 2010, Phillips et al. 2013). Furthermore, heat waves can increase loss of water (desiccation) for intertidal species when exposed to higher than average air temperatures (Thompson et al. 2002, Helmuth et al. 2006, Hawkins et al. 2016). This is alongside an increase in sea surface temperature where, in the UK coastal waters, there has been a 0.1 to 0.5°C rise per decade, with warming up to six times greater than the global average (Dye et al. 2013).

Alongside sea surface temperature rise, Phillips and Crisp (2010) calculated that the Bristol Channel sea level is also rising by 2.4mm per year. In Lee Bay these increases in sea temperature are likely to lead to increases in the abundance and diversity of warm-water/non-native species that are expanding their range northwards (Thompson et al. 2002). These species include the golden kelp (Laminaria ochroleuca), which can already be found around Lundy Island – the furthest north on the northern coastline of the UK (Smale et al. 2014), and wireweed (Sargassum muticum), which is already distributed across much of the UK coastline. Surveying these species will be important because with increases in warm-water algae, there is likely to be a change is associated species assemblages and reduced survival post storms, which may lead to a reduction in, and higher turnover of, canopy forming algae (Byrnes et al. 2011). This would potentially have negative economical impacts on local individuals/ organisations that rely on the harvested of the associated kelp species or directly on the kelp for food (Smale et al.

2013). Furthermore, the increase in sea level rise is likely to cause a shift in the intertidal zonation up the shore as the species move up to cope (Thompson et al. 2002). This could have negative impacts on certain algae, for example, that need higher light levels to survive but due to being under the water longer may not survive or thrive.

Pollution Previous studies found that run off and waste disposal were the main contributors to various inorganic salts (including heavy metals from smelting works) within the Bristol Channel (see Abdullah and Royle 1974 and references within). Contributing to the retention of these inorganic salts within the Channel is the slow flushing rate (Abdullah and Royle 1974). However, despite variations in the current distribution and flow, the turbidity of the Channel remains uniform throughout, the water becoming more mixed during spring tides (Abdullah and Royle 1974, Uncles 2010). Alongside inorganic salts, are larger forms of pollution including litter (pers. obs.). While Lee Bay seems to avoid daily litter, more is washed in during spring tides and often after storms (pers. obs.). Plastic pollution is an ever-increasing problem but more scientific research is required in order to determine the impact it has on intertidal species (Derraik 2002). In addition, pollution, in the form of run off, is likely to increase due to climate change induced increases in precipitation (Smale et al. 2013). While run off provides additional nutrients for kelp to grow, concentrated amounts as chronic eutrophication have been found to be a potential cause of kelp population decline (Smale et al. 2013).

Fishing and Over Harvesting While the fish stocks within UK waters have declined since records began (bottom trawling = 1889) (Thurstan et al. 2010), within North Devon the majority of the fishing industry is small and local, with catch success rates having direct links to the fishermen’s livelihoods (Rees et al. 2013). Conservation practices relating to fishing measures in this area, are coordinated by the North Devon Fisherman’s Association, which has set up voluntary measures to protect cod, juvenile rays and their spawning stocks at certain times of the year (Rees et al. 2013). The fishermen were

mostly positive about the Marine Protected Areas (including MCZs) and are keen to bring back economically viable and sustainable fishing for the next generation (Rees et al. 2013). This is especially in light of the Bideford to Foreland Point MCZ being in part designated in order to aid the recovery of the spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas) population to a favourable condition. Alongside fishing, the harvesting of kelp has become increasingly common across the UK, despite little being known about its population dynamics (Raybaud et al. 2013, Smale et al. 2013).

Energy Production While the fishermen were mostly positive about the MCZs, they were not as supportive of offshore tidal energy (Rees et al. 2013). However, since the research by Rees et al. (2013), the ‘Atlantic Array’ offshore wind farm development has been terminated. It appears that this was in part due to funding, but also due to the uneven benthos.

The Severn Barrage or most recently called the Cardiff-Weston Barrage, has been proposed since 1981. The use of this proposed barrage would restrict the tide flow, forcing the water past turbines, thus producing energy (Xia et al. 2010). While a ‘two-way generation’ mode is more complex, the model predicts reduced tidal flooding up stream and would be preferable in reducing changes to the ecosystems (Xia et al. 2010). However, the Severn Estuary is protected under the European Habitat’s Directive (Department of Energy and Climate 2013). It not only provides habitat and food for many wading birds throughout the year, but the estuary also plays host to salmon and eels on migration (Department of Energy and Climate 2013). The Government at the time (2013), was still open to the proposal if extensive evidence on impacts and mitigation for “ ‘value for money’, economic benefits, energy saving and environmental impact” were presented in detail (Department of Energy and Climate 2013).

While the Severn Barrage has many issues associated with its implementation, tidal lagoons have had more success and are in early stages of planning (Angeloudis and Falconer in press). The Severn Tidal

Lagoon Power has been proposed within the Bristol Channel (Angeloudis and Falconer in press). In order for these to be implemented, salt marsh will be lost (Andrew Bell, 2017, Pers. Comm.). This is important habitat for a variety of birds (Wolf et al. 2009).

Alongside this, a site within the Bideford to Foreland Point MCZ has been set up as a Testing Demonstration Area for tidal energy (named The North Devon Demonstration Zone)5,6. This site is managed by Wave Hub Limited, who works in partnership with the District and County local authorities and Exmoor National Park. The research into the most appropriate area was conducted in collaboration with Plymouth, Bristol and Exeter Universities. The site stretches offshore between Foreland Point and Hangman Point, covering 35 sq km of seabed area.

5 Wavehub.co.uk/north-devon-tidal-zone 6 thecrownestate.co.uk/news-and-media/news/2014/further-uk-wave-and-tidal- opportunities-unlocked/

Conclusions and Future Management? This study has compiled previous reports and data providing baseline information of the ecology of Lee Bay’s intertidal zone. Through collating and compiling previous reports and data and by producing a Phase 1 JNCC habitat map and opportunistic observations over a two-year period, 110 marine related species have been recorded. Other than one species of sea bird that breeds on the Lee Abbey estate (herring gull – red listed), there were no other listed species of note.

Of the potential threats impacting the intertidal zone of Lee Bay, climate change, fisheries and pollution are likely to be the main three of note. In the long term, the species assemblage of the kelps beds are likely to change due to being highly influenced by climate induced sea temperature rise. Sea warming is already causing distributional range shifts in the cold and warm water species of kelp and this is likely to affect the associated flora and fauna. While no direct management can be put in place to prevent this ‘natural’ change, monitoring of the fisheries (harvesting of kelp) and pollution impacts will be important in the face of unknown consequences for both the human and non-human users of kelp beds.

A monitoring suggestion would be long term monitoring of increasing numbers of flat or purple top shells (Gibbula umbilicalis) and thick top shells (Phorcus (Osillinus) lineatus), alongside any increases in warm water algae including golden kelp (Laminaria ochroleuca) and wireweed (Sargassum muticum), would provide an indication of sea warming around the North Devon coastline. The results from this scientific study identify that the management of local pollution (including run off and washed up rubbish) and kelp harvesting will be important in order to retain this North Devon rocky shore habitat. Furthermore, the results from this study infer the importance of kelp beds to the Bideford to Foreland Point Marine Conservation Zone and suggest this to be considered when determining management protocol in order to retain this habitat forming species. Alongside this, educational talks/workshops would aid in advocating the importance of this North Devon coastline for both the humans and other wildlife that rely on it.

We conclude that Lee Bay has a low to medium species richness and diversity. However, the comparison of the species lists from 40 years ago to the present indicates that the species assemblage has not changed much. In light of the various increasing pressures on the UK coastal species and habitats, this is a positive sign for the future of Lee Bay. However, these pressures, including harvesting, pollution and anthropogenic climate change, are likely to become increasingly prevalent in the coming years. However, Lee Bay is an easy access beach and so would be a useful beach to consider surveying in the future if further intertidal marine research was required.

Acknowledgements Many thanks to Lee Abbey Devon, A Rocha UK and A Rocha International for collaborating and helping with this project, especially to Andy Lester (Conservation Director for A Rocha UK), Chris Baillie (South West England Conservation Manager for A Rocha UK), Phil Park (Director of Estate and Buildings for Lee Abbey Devon) and Dan Lay (Environmental Co-ordinator for Lee Abbey Devon). Also many thanks to Keith Hiscock (Associate Fellow at the Marine Biological Association), Devon Biodiversity Records Centre, Exmoor National Park, Devon Wildlife Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust and North Devon Biosphere Reserve for contributions towards filling in the wider picture of the ecology of this part of the North Devon coastline. Also thanks to the various colleagues for fieldwork: Benjamin Cowburn, Jo Greenwood, Kornelia Toth, Abi Forsythe and Irene Namukabya.

References Abdullah, M.I. and Royle, L.G., 1974. A Study of the Dissolved and Particulate Trace Elements in the Bristol Channel. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 54 (3), 581–597. Angeloudis, A. and Falconer, R.A., n.d. Sensitivity of tidal lagoon and barrage hydrodynamic impacts and energy outputs to operational characteristics. Renewable Energy. Ballantine, W.J., 1961. A biologically-defined exposure scale for the comparative description of rocky shores. Black, G., 2003. Marine Wildlife of North Devon. Byrnes, J.E., Reed, D.C., Cardinale, B.J., Cavanaugh, K.C., Holbrook, S.J., and Schmitt, R.J., 2011. Climate-driven increases in storm frequency simplify kelp forest food webs. Global Change Biology, 17 (8), 2513– 2524. CFAS, 2000. Quality Status Report of the Marine and Coastal Areas of the Irish Sea and Bristol Channel. Chanter, J.F., 1907. A History of the Parishes of Lynton and Countisbury. James G. Commin: Exeter. Dahlhoff, E.P., Stillmann, J.H., and Menge, B.A., 2002. Physiological Community Ecology: Variation in Metabolic Activity of Ecologically Important Rocky Intertidal Invertebrates Along Environmental Gradients. Integrative and Comparative Biology, 42 (4), 862–871. Dalzell, D. and Durrance, E.M., 1980. The Evolution of the Valley of Rocks, North Devon. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, 5 (1), 66–79. Davies, J. (Ed. ., Baxter, J., Bradley, M., Connor, D., Khan, J., Murray, E., Sanderson, W., Turnbull, C., and Vincent, M., 2001. Marine Monitoring Handbook, March 2001. UK Marine SACs Project. DEFRA, 2016. Bideford to Foreland Point Marine Conservation Zone. London. Department of Energy and Climate, 2013. House of Commons - Energy and Climate Change Committee. Derraik, J.G.B., 2002. The pollution of the marine environment by plastic debris: A review. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 44 (9), 842–852. Dye, S.R., Hughes, S.L., Tinker, J., Berry, D.I., Holliday, N.P., Kent, E.C.,

Kennington, K., Inall, M., Smyth, T., Nolan, G., Lyons, K., Andres, O., and Beszczynska-Möller, A., 2013. Impacts of climate change on temperature (air and sea). MCCIP Science Review. Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership: Science Review, 1–12. Fairley, I., Ahmadian, R., Falconer, R.A., Willis, M.R., and Masters, I., 2014. The effects of a Severn Barrage on wave conditions in the Bristol Channel. Renewable Energy, 68, 428–442. Fearnhead, F.E. and Donovan, S.K., 2015. Fossil crinoids from the Valley of Rocks, Lynton, north Devon (Devonian). Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association, 126 (4–5), 582–588. Flint, D., 2014. Dive survey of the marine life and habitats of Porlock Bay and Gore Point. Porlock Weir Dive Report. Fyfe, R. and Adams, H., 2008. Assessment of the Areas of Exceptional Archaeological and Historical Importance, Exmoor National Park. Hawkins, S.J., Evans, A.J., Firth, L.B., Genner, M.J., Herbert, R.J., Adams, L.C., Moore, P.J., Mieszkowska, N., Thompson, R.C., Burrows, M.T., and Fenberg, P.B., 2016. Impacts and effects of ocean warming on intertidal rocky habitats. Explaining Ocean Warming: Causes, scale, effects and consequences. Helmuth, B., Mieszkowska, N., Moore, P., and Hawkins, S.J., 2006. Living on the Edge of Two Worlds: Changing the Responses Forecasting Intertidal of Rocky to Climate Ecosystems Change. Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics, 37 (2006), 373–404. Holme, N.A. and Nichols, D., 1976. A biological survey of the rocky shores within the National Park (Combe Martin to Minehead). Kelly, n.d. A Review of the State of Knowledge of Exmoor’s Marine Environment. Krumhansl, K. and Scheibling, R., 2012. Production and fate of kelp detritus. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 467, 281–302. Little, C., Williams, G.A., and Trowbridge, C.D., 2009. The Biology of Rocky Shores. Second. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. Phillips, M.R. and Crisp, S., 2010. Sea level trends and NAO influences: The Bristol Channel/Severn Estuary. Global and Planetary Change, 73 (3–4), 211–218. Phillips, M.R., Rees, E.F., and Thomas, T., 2013. Winds, sea levels and

North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) influences: An evaluation. Global and Planetary Change, 100, 145–152. Radford, P.J., 1994. Pre- and post-barrage scenarios of the relative productivity of benthic and pelagic subsystems of the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 51 (1– 2), 5–16. Raffaelli, D. and Hawkins, S.J., 2012. Intertidal Ecology. Springer Science & Business Media. Raybaud, V., Beaugrand, G., Goberville, E., Delebecq, G., Destombe, C., Valero, M., Davoult, D., Morin, P., and Gevaert, F., 2013. Decline in Kelp in West Europe and Climate. PLoS ONE, 8 (6), e66044. Rees, S.E., Rodwell, L.D., Searle, S., and Bell, A., 2013. Identifying the issues and options for managing the social impacts of Marine Protected Areas on a small fishing community. Fisheries Research, 146 (April 2016), 51–58. Secretary of State, 1986. West Exmoor Coast and Woods. Smale, D.A., Burrows, M.T., Moore, P., O’Connor, N., and Hawkins, S.J., 2013. Threats and knowledge gaps for ecosystem services provided by kelp forests: A northeast Atlantic perspective. Ecology and Evolution, 3 (11), 4016–4038. Smale, D.A., Wernberg, T., Yunnie, A.L.E., and Vance, T., 2014. The rise of Laminaria ochroleuca in the Western English Channel (UK) and comparisons with its competitor and assemblage dominant Laminaria hyperborea. Marine Ecology, 36 (4), 1033–1044. Thompson, R.C., Crowe, T.P., and Hawkins, S.J., 2002. Rocky intertidal communities: Past environmental changes, present status and predictions for the next 25 years. Environmental Conservation, 29 (2), 168–191. Thurstan, R.H., Brockington, S., and Roberts, C.M., 2010. The effects of 118 years of industrial fishing on UK bottom trawl fisheries. Nature communications, 1 (2), 15. Uncles, R.J., 2010. Physical properties and processes in the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 61 (1–3), 5– 20. Whittaker, A. and Leveridge, B.E., 2011. The North Devon Basin: A

Devonian passive margin shelf succession. Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association, 122 (4), 718–744. Willis, M., Masters, I., Thomas, S., Gallie, R., Loman, J., Cook, A., Ahmadian, R., Falconer, R., Lin, B., Gao, G., Cross, M., Croft, N., Williams, A., Muhasilovic, M., Horsfall, I., Fidler, R., Wooldridge, C., Fryett, I., Evans, P., O’Doherty, T., O’Doherty, D., and Mason-Jones, A., 2010. Tidal turbine deployment in the Bristol Channel: A case study. Proceedings of Institution of Civil Engineers: Energy, 163 (3), 93–105. Wolf, J., Walkington, I.A., Holt, J., and Burrows, R., 2009. Environmental impacts of tidal power schemes. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Maritime Engineering, 162 (4), 165–177. Wyn, G., Brazier, P., McMath, M., and Jones, M., 2006. handbook for marine intertidal phase 1 biotope mapping survey. Countryside Council for Wales. Xia, J., Falconer, R.A., and Lin, B., 2010. Impact of different operating modes for a Severn Barrage on the tidal power and flood inundation in the Severn Estuary, UK. Applied Energy, 87 (7), 2374–2391.

Appendices Appendix 1 – List of species from all surveys identified for the intertidal zone of Lee Bay, Lynton

Surveys Crock Duty Lee Bay (Presence/ Sand JNCC Point - Point - Lee Bird Absence) - quadrat Species of species No. Common name Group Genus Species Holme Holme Shoresearch Abbey surveys opportunistic surveys Concern? quadrats and and 2015, DWT species (Chris observations August (29th (Sept Nichols, Nichols, board Baillie) 2015-May 2017 (HH/ October 2016) 1976 1976 Rachel Oates) 2016) (HH) 1 a Tubeworm Annelid Spirobis spirobis P P 2 a Tubeworm Annelid Spirobranchus triquester P P 3 Catworm Annelid Nephtys sp. P 4 Green-leaf worm Annelid Eulalia viridis P 5 Gannet Birds Morus bassanus P 6 Fulmar Birds Fulmarus glacialis P

7 Manx Shearwater Birds Puffinus puffinus Amber, UK P 8 Black-headed Gull Birds Chroicocephalus ridibundus Red List for P Birds Great Black- 9 Birds Larus marinus P backed Gull Lesser Black- 10 Birds Larus fuscus P backed Gull 11 Common Gull Birds Larus canus P

12 Herring Gull Birds Larus argentatus Red, UK Red P 13 Kittiwake Birds Rissa tridactyla List for Birds P 14 Sandwich Tern Birds Sterna sandvicensis P 15 Razorbill Birds Alca torda Amber, UK P

Red List for 16 Guillemot Birds Uria aalge P Birds 17 Cormorant Birds Phalacrocorax carbo P Red, UK Red 18 Shag Birds Phalacrocorax aristotelis P List for Birds Amber, UK 19 Oystercatcher Birds Haematopus ostralegus Red List for P Birds Red-breasted 20 Birds Mergus serrator P Merganser 21 Mallard Birds Anas platyrhynchos P Amber, UK 22 Grey wagtail Birds Motacilla cinerea Red List for P Birds 23 Buzard Birds Buteo buteo P 24 Kestrel Birds Falco tinnunculus P 25 Peregrine falcon Birds Falco peregrinus P 26 Sparrowhawk Birds Accipiter nisus P 27 Bryosoa matt Bryozoa P P 28 Gem anemone Cnidaria Aulactinia verrucosa P 29 Beadlet anemone Cnidaria Actinia equina P P P P P Strawberry 30 Cnidaria Actinia fracacea P P anemone Snakelocks 31 Cnidaria Anemonia viridis P anemone 32 Daisy anemone Cnidaria Cereus pedunculatus P 33 Dahlia anemone Cnidaria Urticina felina P 34 Moon jellyfish Cnidaria Aurelia aurita P P 35 Barrel jellyfish Cnidaria Rhizostoma pulmo P

36 Blue jellyfish Cnidaria Cyanea lamarckii P Montegui 37 Crustacea Chthamalus sp. P P P (Chthamalus sp.) Acorn barnacles 38 (Semibalanus Crustacea Semibalanus balanoides P P P P balanoides) A barnacle 39 (Perforatus Crustacea Perforatus perforatus P P P P P perforatus) 40 Green shore crab Crustacea Carcinus maenas P P P P Velvet swimming 41 Crustacea Necora puber P crab 42 Edible crab Crustacea Cancer pagurus P Common sea 43 Crustacea Ligia oceanica P P slater Common 44 Echinoderm Ophiothrix fragilis P brittlestar Ammodytidae 45 Sand eel sp. Fish P (family) 46 Cockchafer beetle Insect Melolontha melolontha P Speckled wood 47 Insect Pararge aegeria P butterfly Brimstone 48 Insect Gonepteryx rhamni P butterfly Speckled yellow 49 Insect Pseudopanthera macularia P moth 50 Lichina spp. Lichen Lichina sp. P 51 Black fluffy lichen Lichen Lichina pygmaea P Olive-bottle green 52 Lichen Verrucaria mucosa P P lichen Golden yellow/ 53 orange/grey Lichen Xanthoria parietina P P lichen

54 Common dolphin Mammal Dephinus sp. P 55 Harbour porpoise Mammal Phocoena phocoena P 56 Grey seal Mammal Halichoerus grypus P 57 Eurasian otter Mammal Lutra lutra P 58 Pipistrel bat Mammal Pipistresllus sp. P Common 59 Mollusc Littorina littorea P P periwinkle Flat / purple top 60 Mollusc Gibbula umbilicalis P P P P P shell 61 Grey top shell Mollusc Gibbula cineraria P P P P P Small periwinkle (found in lichina 62 Mollusc Melarhaphe neritoides P P pygmaea and in barnacle tests) 63 Rough periwinkle Mollusc Littorina saxatillis P P P P P 64 Flat periwinkle Mollusc Littorina obtusata P P P Thick/ Comon top lineatus 65 Mollusc Phorcus P P P P shell (Monodonta) 66 Dog whelk Mollusc Nucella lapillus P P P P P 67 Netted dog whelk Mollusc Hinia reticulata Common muscle 68 Mollusc Mytilus edulis P P P P (blue muscle) Patella sp. (P. vulgata/P. 69 Mollusc Patella sp. P P P depressa/P. ulyssiponensis) 70 Common limpet Mollusc Patella vulgata P P 71 Blue-rayed limpet Mollusc Patina pellucida P P P 72 Painted top shell Mollusc Calliostoma zizyphinum P P

73 Pink thrift Plant Armeria maritima P 74 Hawthorn Plant Crataegus monogyna P 75 Ivy Plant Hedera helix P 76 Kidney vetch Plant Anthyllis vulneraria P 77 Rock samphire Plant Crithmum maritimum P 78 Sea campion Plant Silene uniflora P 79 Sea lavender Plant Limonium vulgare P Sheep's-bits 80 Plant Jasione montana P scabious 81 Rhododendron Plant Rhododendron ponticum P 82 Common yew Plant Taxus baccata P 83 Oak Plant Quercus sp. P 84 Channelled wrack Seaweed Pelvetia canaliculata P P P P Fucus sp. (bladder 85 Seaweed Fucus sp. P P or spiral wrack) 86 Spiral wrack Seaweed Fucus spiralis P 87 Bladder wrack Seaweed Fucus vesiculosus P P P P 88 Serrated wrack Seaweed Fucus serratus P P P P 89 Egg wrack Seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum P P Wrack siphon 90 weed (associated Seaweed Polysiphonia lanosa P with egg wrack) 91 Thong weed Seaweed Himanthalia elongata P 92 Pepper dulse Seaweed Osmundea pinnatifida P P P P P 93 Dulse Seaweed Palmaria palmata P P P P 94 Claduphora sp. Seaweed Claduphora sp. P P P

Green algae (Ulva 95 Seaweed Ulva sp. P P P P sp.) 96 Ulva intestinalis Seaweed Ulva intestinalis P P P 97 Sea lettuce Seaweed Ulva lactuca P P 98 Irish moss Seaweed Chondrus crispus P P P P P 99 False irish moss Seaweed Mastocarpus stallatus P P P 100 larva Seaweed Porphyra sp. P P 101 Coral weed Seaweed Corallina officinalis P P P P P Red encrusting 102 Seaweed Lithophyllum incrustans P P P P algae 103 A Red seaweed Seaweed Lomentaria articulata P P 104 A Red seaweed Seaweed Mesophyllum lichenoides P 105 Oarweed Seaweed Laminara digitata P P P P 106 Tangle or curvie Seaweed Laminara hyperborea P P P 107 Sugar kelp Seaweed Saccharina latissima P P P P 108 a Sponge Sponge Hymeniacidon perlevis P P P P Breadcrumb 109 Sponge Halichondria panicea P P P P sponge 110 a Sponge Sponge Amphilectus fucorum P

Appendix 2 – List of species from all surveys identified for the subtidal zone of Lee Bay, Lynton

Surveys Duty Point Species of Off Lee Abbey Bay Number Common name Group Genus Species (SWBSS Concern? (SWBSS North North Devon) Devon) 1 Keelworm Annelid Spirobranchus triquester P P Devon BAP Annelid 2 Ross Worm Sabellaria spinulosa species 2009 P

3 a Bryozoan Bryozoan Bicellariella ciliata P

4 a Bryozoan Bryozoan Bugula turbinata P P 5 a Bryozoan Bryozoan Crisiidae sp. P

6 Dead Man's Fingers Cnidaria Alcyonium digitatum P Devon BAP Cnidaria 7 Devonshire Cup Coral Caryophyllia smithii species 2009 P

8 Dahlia Anemone Cnidaria Urticina felina P P 9 Sandalled Anemone Cnidaria Actinothoe sphyrodeta P

10 a Barnacle Crustacea Balanus crenatus P P 11 a Barnacle Crustacea Perforatus perforatus P 12 a Barnacle Crustacea Megatrema anglicum P 13 Hermit Crab Crustacea Pagurus bernhardus P

14 a Sea cucumber Ecinoderm Cucumariidae sp. P

15 a Cushion Star Ecinoderm Asterina gibbosa P

16 Bloody Henry Starfish Ecinoderm Henricia oculata P

17 Common Starfish Ecinoderm Asterias rubens P P 18 Rosy Feather-star Ecinoderm Antedon bifida P

19 Leopard-spotted Goby Fish Thorogobius ephippiatus P

20 Sea Beard Hydroid Nemertesia antennina P

21 a Hydroid Hydroid Nemertesia ramosa P 22 a Hydroid Hydroid Plumularia setacea P 23 a Hydroid Hydroid Sertularia argentea P P 24 Oaten Pipes Hydroid Hydroid Tubularia indivisa P

25 Sickle Hydroid Hydroid Hydrallmania falcata P

26 a Foraminiferan Protista Haliphysema tumanowiczi P

27 Maerl Seaweed Lithothamnion sp. P 28 Red Rags Seaweed Dilsea carnosa P 29 Sea Beech Seaweed Delesseria sanguinea P 30 Sea chervil Seaweed Alcyonidium diaphanum P P 31 a Brown Seaweed Seaweed Dictyopteris polypodioides P

32 a Brown Seaweed Seaweed Dictyota dichotoma P

33 a Brown Seaweed Seaweed Zanardinia typus P 34 a Green Seaweed Seaweed Taonia atomaria P 35 a Pink Alga Seaweed Corallina sp. P 36 a Red Seaweed Seaweed Cryptopleura ramosa P

37 a Red Seaweed Seaweed Erythroglossum laciniatum P

38 a Red Seaweed Seaweed Hypoglossum hypoglossoides P

39 a Red Seaweed Seaweed Lomentaria clavellosa P 40 a Red Seaweed Seaweed Membranoptera alata P 41 a Red Seaweed Seaweed Phyllophora crispa P 42 a Red Seaweed Seaweed Phyllophora pesudoceranoides P

43 a Red Seaweed Seaweed Plocamium cartilagineum P

44 a Red Seaweed Seaweed Polysiphonia sp. P

45 a Red Seaweed Seaweed Rhodomela confervoides P

46 a Red Seaweed Seaweed Rhodymenia holmesii P

47 a Red Seaweed Seaweed Rhodymenia pseudopalmata P 48 a Red Seaweed Seaweed Schottera nicaeensis P 49 a Seaweed Seaweed Brongniartella byssoides P 50 Brown Algae Seaweed Cutleria (asexual cutleria) P

51 Cuvie Seaweed Laminaria hyperborea P

52 Eyelash Weed Seaweed Calliblepharis ciliata P

53 Hornwrack Seaweed Flustra foliacea P 54 Sea Oak Seaweed Halidrys siliquosa P 55 a Sponge Sponge Axinellidae sp. P 56 a Sponge Sponge Dysidea fragilis P

57 a Sponge Sponge Pachymatisma johnstonia P

58 a Sponge Sponge Polymastia boletiformis P

59 a Sponge Sponge Polymastia mamillaris P 60 a Sponge Sponge Porifera indet crusts P 61 a Sponge Sponge Stelligera stuposa P 62 Breadcrumb Sponge Sponge Halichondria panicea P

63 Golf Ball Sponge Sponge Tethya aurantium P

64 a Sea Squirt Tunicata Ascidiacea sp. P

65 a Sea Squirt Tunicata Polyclinidae sp. P

Appendix 3 – JNCC Phase 1 biotope descriptions and conservation status within the Bideford to Foreland Point Marine Conservation Zone

Conservation Status Number of within the Bideford to different Habitat code Broad habitat Habitat description Foreland Point Marine habitats Conservation Zone LR.HLR.MuB.Cht Littoral Rock, Maintain in favourable 1 Only Chthamalus sp. (no lichen) .Cht High Energy condition LR.HLR.MuB.Cht Littoral Rock, Chthamalus sp. barnacles plus black Maintain in favourable 2 .Lpyg High Energy (fluffy) lichen (Lichina pygmaea) condition Semibalanus balanoides (acron LR.HLR.MuB.Se Littoral Rock, Maintain in favourable 3 barnacle) on lower section of m High Energy condition bedrock/boulders Semibalanus balanoides (acron LR.HLR.MuB.Se Littoral Rock, Maintain in favourable 4 barnacles) and bladder wrack (Fucus m.FvesR High Energy condition vesiculosus) egg wrack on Maintain in favourable 5 Unknown fucoid Littoral Rock bedrock/boulders/cobbles - condition Ascophyllum nodosum Littoral Rock, LR.MLR.BF.Fves Bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus) Maintain in favourable 6 Moderate B and barnacles condition Energy Littoral Rock, Maintain in favourable 7 LR.MLR.BF.PleB Moderate Channelled wrack condition Energy Littoral Rock, LR.MLR.BK.Fser. Maintain in favourable 8 Moderate Fucus seratus and red algae R condition Energy Littoral Rock, 9 LR.FLR.Lic.Ver black lichen Feature Littoral Rock, 10 LR.FLR.Lic.YG Yellow and grey lichen Feature Littoral Rock, LR.FLR.Rkp Target 1. Rock pool - mix of species Feature Littoral Rock, LR.FLR.Rkp Target 2. Rock pool - mix of species Feature Target 3. Boulder - Semibalanus Target - LR.HLR.MuB.Se balanoides (acron barnacle) on Maintain in favourable Littoral Rock, m boulder with volcano barnacle, a few condition High Energy muscles, some estuarine sponge 11 Littoral Rock, LR.FLR.Rkp Target 4. Rock pool - more sediment Feature Littoral Rock, LR.FLR.Rkp Target 5. Rock pool - mix of species Feature Target 8. Rock pool - mix of species Littoral Rock, LR.FLR.Rkp including kelp and snakelocks Feature anemone (brown) Littoral Rock, LR.FLR.Rkp Target 9. Rock pool - mix of species Feature Littoral Rock, Target 6. Rock pool - green seaweed LR.FLR.Rkp.G 12 Feature dominant LR.FLR.Rkp.G Littoral Rock, Target 7. Rock pool - green seaweed

Feature dominant Littoral Rock, Green algae coverage where there is 13 LR.FLR.Eph.Ent Feature freshwater run off Littoral Sediment, Maintain in favourable 14 LS.LCS.Sh Barren littoral shingle/gravel/pebbles Littoral Coarse condition Sediment Littoral LS.LSa.MoSa.Bar Maintain in favourable 15 Sediment, Barren mobile sand shore Sa condition Littoral Sand Infralittoral Laminaria digitata on bedrock (and Rock, Maintain in favourable 16 IR.MIR.Ldig some on boulders) in the water but Moderate condition could see them Energy Infralittoral Laminaria hyperborea pretty sure Rock, Maintain in favourable 17 IR.MIR.LhypTX there is some there but not totally Moderate condition sure Energy

Appendix 4 – Bideford to Foreland Point Marine Conservation Zone protected features (source: DEFRA, 2016)

General Protected JNCC Habitat EUNIS Habitat management features Classification Classicisation approach High energy LR.HLR A1.1 intertidal rock Moderate energy LR.MLR A1.2 intertidal rock Low energy LR.LLR A1.3 intertidal rock Intertidal coarse LS.LCS A2.1 sediment Intertidal sand LS.LSa A2.2 and muddy sand Intertidal mixed LS.LMx A2.4 sediments Intertidal LR.MLR.BF.Fser.Fser.Bo underboulder communities Estuarine rocky habitats Littoral chalk communities High energy IR.HIR A3.1 infralittoral rock Maintain in Moderate energy IR.MIR A3.2 favourable infralittoral rock condition Low energy IR.LIR A3.3 infralittoral rock High energy CR.HCR A4.1 circalittoral rock Moderate energy CR.MCR A4.2 circalittoral rock Subtidal coarse A5.1 sediment Subtidal mixed A5.4 sediments Honeycomb worm LS.LBR.Sab (Sabellaria alveolata) reefs Fragile sponge & anthozoan communities on subtidal rocky habitats Pink sea-fan CR.HCR.Xfa.ByErSp.Eun (Eunicella verrucosa) Subtidal sand SS.SSa A5.2 Recover to Spiny lobster favourable (Palinurus condition elephas)