Lyme Bay

Many people are surprised to find out that we have reefs which are home to corals in the UK. Some of the most spectacular reefs in the UK are found in Lyme Bay. They contain over 300 species of plants and animals, including a variety of rare and endangered species.The reefs in Lyme Bay are extremely rich and diverse in wildlife with over 300 species recorded so far. Lyme Bay is where the cold waters of the north meet with the warm waters of the south resulting in the area supporting both northerly and southerly species.

Of particular interest are the seven species of coral recorded including dense populations of the nationally protected pink seafan and the extremely rare sunset coral (only found at 3 other sites in the UK). Both these species are national priority species under the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)Apart from the corals they also support a range of sponges, bryozoans (sea mats), hydroids (sea firs) and sea squirts. Although many of the species look like plants they are all animals. Due to the depth of the reefs there is not enough light to support the majority of plants resulting in animal dominated communities.

Where: SY295843
When: All year
Facilities: Bus Stop, Car Park, Disabled Access, Dogs Allowed, Fishing, Information Boards, Child Changing Facilities, Resfrshments, Shop, Toilets, Visitor Centre, Walks, Watersports.
Hints and Tips: Although the reefs have been well studied, new species are being found and recorded regularly.

Opening Times

Open All Year

Opening 01/01/2007 - 31/12/2007