This week Education Assistant, Ellie Richardson, spoke with Research Intern Eleanor, who is from the Peak District, and is currently studying for a degree in marine biology and oceanography at the University of Plymouth. This is her experience so far…
Cliff edge in Cardigan Bay/ Eleanor Tunick
As a new period begins here at Sea Watch, another fresh-faced bunch of interns arrive in New Quay, excited to make it their home for the next few weeks, and I’m no different.
Arriving here I was very lucky as it was a bright and sunny day, allowing New Quay to show off its charming sea-side town charms. The first thing you notice is the sea, you can’t miss it, and the view from the pier is the perfect back drop for a spot of lunch from one of the many delicious local cafes (if the seagulls don’t get it first!) or a bit of dolphin watching.
Despite being small, there is more to New Quay than meets the eye. Located on the Ceredigion coast path, you can walk south to reach the quaint small town of Cwymtydu or north to Aberaeron, a slightly larger town with a selection of lovely shops and restaurants to visit for a pleasant day trip. If walking isn’t your style, there are bus services to both these places (as well as further afield) on a fairly regular basis.
Of course, without even leaving New Quay there’s still plenty to see and do. Its location makes it the perfect place to give a new water sport a go: kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing are just a few of the many popular activities offered here. If that all sounds too strenuous for your liking, New Quay’s beaches are the perfect place to sit, sun bath (weather permitting) and relax with a good book or soak in the atmosphere. A number of small local shops selling everything from sandals to sea shells provide an array of unique products to browse or buy
By day cafes, ice cream parlours and chip shops offer an array of tasty treats to keep your hunger at bay. In the evenings New Quay has a surprisingly large range of pubs, bars and restaurants to grab a drink, meal or just have a catch up with friends. Many of these establishments also offer various forms of entertainment including music, pool and even quizzes!
One of the things that many of us interns struggle to adjusting to upon moving to New Quay is the lack of food shops. There are two grocery stores here: Cost-cutter and a Corner Shop; both of these are surprisingly well stocked and offer all the essentials and everyday items required by most. However, future interns beware, if you have more exotic or particular tastes that may require unusual ingredients or products, it’s best to bring these with you ahead of your time here!
Bottlenose dolphins spotted from New Quay pier/ Josh Pedley @mywildlifeposts and Sea Watch Foundation
Obviously, us interns are here for the marine life. Due to the rich variety of marine organisms, (including Bottlenose Dolphins and Atlantic Grey Seals) the waters around Cardigan Bay have been made into a Special Area of Conservation. This means that boats in the area should follow a code of conduct to make sure no marine life is harmed or startled by their actions. It also forbids certain activities including various types of building, industry and fishing practices. These restrictions help preserve the conditions of the bay and ensure the marine life and their habitat remains safe and in good condition. As well as life in the seas, New Quay is home to a large population of various seabirds which can often be seen nesting in the cliffs surrounding the bay.
Whether coming for a day trip, a holiday or even as a fellow intern I would definitely recommend paying New Quay a visit if the chance arises. So far, I’m enjoying settling into my new home and look forward to continuing to explore this amazing part of the world.
Article written by Research Intern Eleanor Tunick.
