Over the years we’ve been fortunate to visit Kimmeridge Bay marine nature reserve on several occasions. Despite the reef being a stronghold for Spider crabs so far we hadn’t seen any.
On this occasion inspired by a group of children crabbing from the end of Swanage Pier we came prepared with a small bag filled with a chunk of dried Mackerel on the end of a piece of strong. If this didn’t tempt them out nothing would…….
 Success – Spider crab tempted out of cover with a smelly chunk of dried Mackerel. After 10 minutes it became clear that it was far more wary than its more common relatives. so it was time to jump in for a closer look. |
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No Spider crabs were harmed during the production off this film. This one was carefully returned to the rock it had crawled out from under the sea. |
 Incredible disguise – all carefully planted by the crab. |
 And for something completely different the Yellow Horned Sea Poppy. A real specialist of shingle beaches. |