Super Cool Sea Slugs

By Kathryn Harris If you know me, then it’s no secret that I LOVE molluscs, particularly marine molluscs. Ever since I was small I’ve been fascinated by these strange squishy looking creatures, often creating little homes for the snails in my garden and watching them slowly devour the plants in the border (much to my…

Seabirds of Cumbrae

By Jenny Pearson Every summer, the sea around the Isle of Cumbrae attract numerous seabirds. Seabirds are a fascinating group of animals, in order to survive in the harsh sea environments, they have developed incredible adaptations that differentiate them from there terrestrial cousins. When the temperatures warm and they return to our coasts to breed…

#SpeciesOfTheWeek- The Spectacular Seals!

By Gregor Melville After the curlew won the spot of most popular Species of the Week for 2020, for this particular post I will be discussing the ever wonderful “sea dogs” - the seals! Instead of just focussing on either the harbour seal (also known as the common seal) or grey seal, I have decided…

Everything you need to know about HEDGEHOGS!

By Jess Madden Hedgehogs are one of the most best-loved mammals in Britain, even though they spend most of their life sleeping they remain an iconic member of British wildlife. Appearance & Characteristics: Hedgehogs are one of the most well-known British mammals and have very clear defining characteristics. They have a rounded body covered in…

#SpeciesOfTheWeek – Your favorites

By Cyrielle Delvenne After a competitive Instagram contest, it seemed that one of your favorite Species of the Week of 2020 was… the curlew! This good-looking bird characterized by a long, downcurved bill1 gifts us by his presence in the Isle of Cumbrae.  The curlew, Numenius arquata, is the largest European wading bird. In Scotland, it may be known…

The Mammals of Millport

By Luke The class Mammalia can be found worldwide, and are often regarded as having a wider distribution and being more adaptable than any other class of animals. The ability to regulate their body temperature and internal environment in both extreme heat and severe cold, has enabled mammals to become versatile in exploiting every major…

Jellyfish around the Isle of Cumbrae

By Lorraine (HEP, FSC Millport) Jellyfish are a very interesting group of organisms. They have very simple bodies, they don't have bones, a brain or a heart. To see light, detect smells and orient themselves, they have rudimentary sensory nerves at the base of their tentacles. As we have moved into summer we have seen a dramatic increase in Jellyfish…

Moth Trapping – What’s in your garden?

By Bethany Brooks As the nights get warmer and you spend more time outside in the evenings, you might notice that you are not alone around your bright glowing lights. Moths come out at dusk and are attracted to bright lights and anything sugary – like wine, juice or fruit that you might have outside…