NEWS & EVENTS

Rockpooling with Moray Ocean Community

Is there anything better than a crisp Autumn morning on the rocky shore at low tide? Volunteers from local coastal community group Moray Ocean Community spent the morning in Autumn sunlight on the 1st of November rockpooling at Hopeman East Beach.
November 5, 2026
BY
David

Rockpooling with Moray Ocean Community

On Sunday 1st November MOC ran an event aimed at helping people come together around the shared love of rockpools. We know that adults and children alike love rockpooling, but that adults sometimes need a little encouragement or support to get down to the shore. For that reason we decided to try running a few events aimed at encouraging local people to get out and explore rockpools and the life within them.

On Sunday we were at Hopeman East Beach for a trial session on a chilly but bright autumn morning. The aim of the session was to record as many species as possible in the rockpools alongside simply enjoying the beauty and magic of rockpools. Seven people turned out to the event, armed with wellies, enthusiasm and some ID guides. 

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The morning was great fun, with at least 30 species being recorded in a couple of hours. Particular highlights were Plumose Anemones, Rockpool Shrimps, Sea Oak and Sea Urchins. All of these species were entered onto iRecord either on the morning or later on, when musing over photos and ID books. 

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MOC is hoping to run a second similar event on the Black Isle in December, with the same aim of helping people come together around a shared love of rockpooling. Watch out for updates on that event! 

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David
November 5, 2026

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