We have just concluded a fun contract with BBC Coast (programme to be aired next year). Below are some pictures taken with the Crew and Mark Horton (Archaeologist and Presenter), and Dr. Ziggy Otto of the Countryside Council for Wales.

The story concentrated on the 1000 year old Poppit Fish Trap (260m – largest ever found) which we at ‘Razorbill’ have been diving /interested in for some time.

As a follow on, we will be doing some more work on the Trap in the coming weeks with Dr. Ziggy Otto and Nigel Nayling from Lampeter Uni, as well as Polly Groom from CADW …will keep the blog up to date with any findings /progress….watch this space! Daniel

What a difference a day makes….The wind got up overnight and whipped up the sea nicely for our filming /trip out with writer and conservationist, Stanley Johnson……for more information on Stanley’s work see his website at www.stanleyjohnson.com

We were also joined by Mark Sharman a wildlife and underwater cameraman from Bristol…..some of Marks work can be seen here www.deependmedia.com
 

Whilst the weather kept us inside the Bay and scuppered our chances of seeing Dolphins,  we managed a fun couple of hours exploring and filming both in the Bay and up river. Despite the lack of cetaceans, the Wildlife didn’t disappoint….All the usual suspects plus the Peregrine, as well as 8 Little Egrets and the Kingfishers upriver…

I think it would be fair to say that both Stanley and Mark were blown away by the rich and diverse wildlife we have here, as well as the beauty of the area. So much so that both have said they would like to come back and see us again soon!

I’m afraid we can’t give too much away regarding project(s), but will update you when we are able….exciting times! Daniel

Simon and I spent a fab weekend with Jen Cometson and friends….Buddy pair Phil and Lauren, Nigel (aka Bananaman….see pics of drysuit for reference) and Pete Bullen….underwater cameraman - who we have to thank for the below pics (and whose fantastic marine life shots we have added to our ‘Underwater life’ gallery on the main site).

Our plans for the weekend had been Porthgain on the Saturday followed by Newport Sunday….due to the 25mph Northerlies blasting Porthgain we had to put together a hasty plan to dive out of Milford….not our patch at all, and huge thanks must go to Brian Dilly (Dive in2 Pembrokeshire) for his kind assistance in planning etc.

Milford’s sites consisted of the Dakotian and the Behar wrecks….by Saturday evening the wind was showing no sign of abating (it certainly hadn’t for our lifeboat shout)….but, the forecasters got it right…..

Sunday morning was glorious out of Newport! We dropped in on the Gramsbergen wreck and then a sheltered dive just out of Cwm Yr Eglwys….before heading back to Newport Boat Club for a beer whilst listening to live folk music being played on the green…Fantastic!

Both Simon and I had a great time, and we really look forward to seeing the guys in N Pembs again….

A link here to Nigels trip report posted on YD (Yorkshire Divers) http://www.yorkshire-divers.com/forums/trip-reports/125154-tog-gog-how-high-do-you-dive.html

Below is some brief feedback from Pete, Jen & Phil….

“Dan, massive thanks to you and Simon for a great weekend and for looking after us so well, you proved to me that rib diving doesn’t have to involve an aching back and rattled teeth if driven well ” Pete Bullen, Hampshire

“I can’t wait 2 come back again although I very much suspect the next trips might get oversubscribed as soon as I set the dates!” Jennifer Cometson, South Wales

“Very happy to recomend those lovely chaps at Razorbill Ribs. Our voyages with them last weekend in Pembrokeshire were enjoyable, friendly & safe. A top class team!” Phil Davies, Windsor

We’ve had a very Cetacean rich few weeks (check out the new vids on the razorbillribs Youtube Channel). We also received this great feedback from a party staying at Cloverton last week….many thanks guys, look forward to seeing you in Pembs again!

“Daniel, Just a brief note to thank you for our charter trip yesterday. This was the experience of a lifetime and I would recommend to all visitors to Pembrokeshire, without hesitation. In the space of two hours we enjoyed encounters with the following:

Peregrine Falcon (in full flight – chasing it’s prey)

Pod of Dolphins Porpoise Numerous birds (described with expertise and passion by Dan)

Seals – the yearlings being particularly inquisitive and coming very close to the Rib.

Some fantastic rock formations and caves.

Our party of 6 (2 grumpy 40 somethings and 4 teenagers ) were enthralled and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves – the time flew. We will send photos next week for posting on the website.

ps: the Red Kite was in full flight over Cloverton yesterday afternoon. Along with 2 Buzzards – marvelous.

Once again, thank you.

Best Regards, Ian, Mark, Lottie, Ryan, Louise and Alice”

We received a lovely card from Carol and Hank Handcock in this mornings post, following their trip last week….

“Daniel, Just to say a big thankyou for a very enjoyable sightseeing trip last Saturday morning. Dolphins at last! Also, a wonderful variety of seabirds and fabtastic rock formations. We really appreciated your personal attention and knowledgable information.

Many thanks once again, Carol and Hank (Machynlleth)

PS (on your recommendation) We had a great afternoon in Cilgerran Welsh Wildlife Centre…..”

The first prize winners (2 hour wildlife watching trip on ‘Razorbill’ for 2) for the Sea Trust http://www.seatrust.org.uk/ run competition in Welsh Country Magazine http://www.welshcountry.co.uk/ came out with us this morning.

Hank and Carol Handcock from Machynlleth joined us for ropes off at 10.00am out of Gwbert. The sea state was slightly more than forecast….which we had feared may hamper cetacean spotting, but we headed off for Cardigan Island with everything crossed. After some successful birding we headed over to Mwnt where we were lucky enough to encounter around 6 Bottlenose Dolphins (with a couple of youngsters). We killed the engines immediately we saw them and sat watching at a distance for a a little while (they didn’t approach the boat). However, during the encounter we were treated to a brief feeding frenzy….fantastic!

We then headed back over to Cemaes head where we took in the sea caves and amazing geology before heading back…. Both Hank and Carol thoroughly enjoyed themselves….it was Hanks first Dolphin encounter, after years of trying (the main aim of the trip for him)….so he was extremely pleased they put in an appearance! Daniel

Haven’t posted for a while as we’ve been pretty busy with Razorbill and on the Lifeboat….

Spent yesterday morning with Cliff from Sea Trust in Fishguard, who showed me my first fleeting glimpse of Black Guillemots who nest in the docking structure for the Stena Ferry!

We then had a double charter for a 12 year olds’ birthday party in the evening. The eager crew were split into two groups, each taking it in turn to have a 1 hour trip out and a fiercely fought Crabbing competition off the Pontoon at Patch!

Having been spoilt for a few weeks, there has been a distinct lack of Bottlenose activity over the past week….and last night continued the trend. Similarly, the Seals are still yet to return to the breeding beaches beyond Cemaes (already 3 weeks later than last year according to my diary)…there wasn’t one to be had there last night, although there were around 6 animals in /around the caves opposite Cardigan Island. Only the last few Auks remain on the Island (two Razorbill and a solitary Guillemot seen), but we did have Terns, Kittiwakes and Gannets aplenty.

The weather treated us well and the sea state was very slight….It was great to be able to show the children what amazing secenery and wildlife they have on their doorstep……and the boat was a big hit too!

A couple of pics from the trips are below….was a really fun evening, thanks for your company guys….we were really impressed with your bird and wildlife knowledge! Daniel

Out at dawn for a wildlife watching charter….a bit overcast and some drizzle, but fab time to be at sea! Loads of fowl and waders in the river /estuary out of St. Dogmaels…. 6 Herons, loads of Curlew, Gannets aplenty at sea and Shearwaters putting on a great show, plenty of Auks. As we sat watching a playful seal cow off Cardigan island, a pod 0f 4 Bottlenose cruised past with a Juvenile in tow. There was other Dolph activity seen from afar during the morning….but here is a short vid of the 4 which I managed to capture…the island is a really noisy place to be in the morning…although camera mic doesn’t really do it justice! Daniel

Short of 4 Bottlenose Dolphins (with Juvenile) cruising past Cardigan Island on a Dawn Trip

Lots of meetings early part of the week….but some really interesting stuff re archaeological diving in the pipeline…and some really positive talks with a couple of public sector bodies…watch this space!

Plenty of Dolphin activity beyond the Island and off Aberporth first part of the week….a shot below from Weds with a mother and calf in the background. Sea state increased as the week ended….was blowing a Southerly 6 beyond Cemaes Head on exercise with the Lifeboat today.

Some interesting private charters lined up for the forthcoming week….one of which I’m particularly looking forward to is for a wildlife artist and diver! Sadly, the current forecast isn’t looking good for what he needs to achieve, so we may have to postpone until the forecast improves…

Scaramanga has been away for a week at Lifeboat College….I’m sure he’ll post up some pics when he gets chance. Daniel

“Thank you so much for our absolutely perfect wildlife boat trip out of Gwbert last Friday evening. There was something for everyone – from 8yrs old to grandma – at least 15 identified bird varieties, bottlenosed dolphins galore, a seal, caves, geology and a very knowledgeable running commentary from Dan.

I’m very happy to talk to anyone wanting recommendation re a trip with you.  Apart from what we saw and the weather, it was very special that you made us feel important, valued and friends, not just a load of tourists hiring a pleasure trip.  And 2 hours felt like a whole day out, well worth every penny.  I’d love to go again, if just to see the amazing cliff formations…

Truly a magical mix of excitement, spectacle and information, and we all felt really safe and welcome. I recommend a Razorbill Ribs trip to everyone. It is definitely on my lifetime memorable experiences list. I’m coming again.”

Annabel Stewart, Tegryn