Jon Bunker offers a personal perspective on the nightlife of Hive beach in Dorset, where he carried out his 300th dive
Mark Florida-James of Isle of Purbeck Sub-Aqua Club recalls an inspirational visit to Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel
COMPETITION
Impressive, humbling
A dive in the Hive
Jon Bunker offers a personal perspective on the nightlife of Hive beach in Dorset, where he carried out his 300th dive
Mark Florida-James of Isle of Purbeck Sub-Aqua Club recalls an inspirational visit to Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel
Briefing: Mean, moody and magnificent … Lundy Island, the jewel of the Bristol Channel, lies 12 miles off the North Devon Coast. A Landmark Trust nature reserve, it provides great opportunities to dive with the‘ Labradors of the sea’. Nor is chumming required, and you certainly don’ t need a cage. These wonderful creatures are naturally curious and are frequently photographed interacting with divers and snorkellers.
The Dive: My memorable dive was with my partner and dive buddy, Amanda and her daughter Sofia, who was on her first Lundy experience. This was the second day of our trip. It had been rough on Day 1, so we spent that day exploring the island on foot, finishing off with a lively discussion with the island’ s vicar in the pub.
Sunday morning came and we were greeted by more clement weather. Our luck was in! We made the 90-minute crossing swapping dive stories. As you approach, the island cannot fail to impress. Rugged and imposing( think of the film‘ King Kong’), with seals sunbathing on the rocks.
We quickly kitted-up, allowing the four snorkellers to enter the water first( with a final warning from the skipper not to get too close.) Snorkellers are a great bonus, as by time the divers are ready the seals have usually slipped into the sea. Once in the water, we did a quick check, okays were exchanged and we made our short descent. Previously we have waited in one spot, watching grey flashes in the distance as they circle, gradually getting closer, sizing up their visitors. Not this time. Within seconds there was a medium size seal swimming below our legs. So cumbersome on land, underwater they glide effortlessly.
Moving closer, this inquisitive animal approached Sofia head- on, nuzzling. She retreated, ever calm and camera poised, snapped the seal and I snapped her. Magical! From then on, the rest of the dive could not disappoint. We had many more sightings, sometimes of grey torpedoes shooting past, sometimes playing with other seals. Nature in the raw: impressive, humbling.
Debrief: Back on board, the smiles were contagious. Why bother to dive the UK and Ireland I am often asked? For moments like these. For the privilege of seeing what so few do. And maybe for that special photo that reminds us life always seems better underwater! Top tip: these are wild animals. Let them come to you. Resist the temptation to touch, as we may pass diseases harmless to us but disastrous for the seals. Also, book early and maybe consider trying for two days.
Briefing: Hive beach is nestled by the village of Burton Bradstock, toward the westernmost end of Dorset’ s 18-mile Chesil beach. Typically dived during the day as a relatively shallow training site, it truly comes alive at night, especially over the sand flats which are seemingly barren by day.
The Dive: Derived from the Old English‘ Hithe’ meaning‘ safe landing place’, the beach was historically frequented by an inshore fleet of mackerel fishermen. Today, just a few boats remain, but the National Trust operate a large car park here throughout the year, with easy access to the beach attracting visitors from afar. This is in no small part due to the Hive Beach Café, which offers up seafood meals with an emphasis on local food links.
The National Coastwatch Institute are also present here, and indeed, it might be worth informing them of your movements if heading in. Their hut above the beach normally does indicate the high tide times for the day, and to get the tides right you ideally want
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