Mussel Rock

Island in Cornwall

England

Mussel Rock

Sandymouth Holiday Resort Credit: Charli

Mussel Rock is a small island located off the coast of Cornwall, England. Situated approximately 300 meters from the mainland, it is a prominent feature of the local landscape. The island is mostly composed of rugged cliffs, with its highest point reaching about 60 meters above sea level.

Mussel Rock gets its name from the abundance of mussels found in the surrounding waters. The island is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers due to its rich biodiversity. It serves as a breeding ground for various seabird species, including puffins, kittiwakes, and guillemots. The surrounding waters are also home to seals and a variety of fish species.

Access to Mussel Rock is mainly dependent on tidal conditions, as during high tide, the island becomes completely cut off from the mainland. However, during low tide, a natural causeway is formed, allowing visitors to explore the island on foot. This phenomenon adds to the charm and uniqueness of Mussel Rock.

In addition to its natural beauty, the island has some historical significance. It is believed to have been used as a lookout point during World War II due to its strategic location. Remnants of old structures and defensive positions can still be found on the island, serving as a reminder of its past.

Mussel Rock is a picturesque and ecologically diverse island that offers visitors a chance to connect with nature and explore its rich history. Whether it be birdwatching, enjoying the stunning coastal views, or simply immersing oneself in the tranquility of the island, Mussel Rock is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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Mussel Rock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.872117/-4.5609488 or Grid Reference SS1911. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sandymouth Holiday Resort

Charli

Morwenstow Satellite Dishes

GCHQ Bude, also known as GCHQ Composite Signals Organisation Station Morwenstow, abbreviated to GCHQ CSO Morwenstow, is a UK Government satellite ground station and eavesdropping centre located on the north Cornwall coast between the small villages of Morwenstow and Coombe. It is operated by the British signals intelligence service, officially known as the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). It is located on part of the site of the former World War II airfield, RAF Cleave. The station comprises twenty-one satellite antennae of various sizes, including three that have a diameter of 100 ft (Link

Wikipedia).

David Dixon

Car Park at Sandy Mouth

Viewed from up on the hills, looking down onto the car park at Sandy Mouth.

Oscar Taylor

Sandy Mouth Beach

The beach at Sandy Mouth from the cliff.

Oscar Taylor

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

This OS cut mark can be found on the roadside barn at Stowe Barton. It marks a point 102.376m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark

This OS cut mark can be found on the west parapet of King William's Bridge. It marks a point 21.199m above mean sea level.

Adrian Dust

Sandy Mouth on a misty day

This is a strip of sand below cliffs. Much of the country was basking in sunshine, but this part of the North Cornish coast was misty - it cleared in the afternoon.

David Hawgood

Low tide at Sandy Mouth

Low tide was at 14.46 on this day; the picture being taken just two minutes before this time. Ahead stretches the Atlantic Ocean.

Peter Kazmierczak

Heavy sky at Sandymouth Bay, near Bude, Cornwall

Derek Voller

Beach at Sandy Mouth Bay

Looking more or less north along the beach at relatively low tide, towards one of the radio dishes of the GCHQ Satellite Station at Morwenstow.

Richard Law

Warren Long Beach

The map assigns names to several stretches of sand along here, of which we are approaching Warren Long Beach a little way north of Sandy Mouth Bay.

Richard Law

On Warren Little Beach

These colonies of honeycomb worms (Sabellaria alveolata) decorate the tidal rocks along a stretch of the coast here.

Richard Law

Internal structure of a honeycomb worm colony

One of many colonies on the rocks here; this one's suffered a little at the hands of a storm which has broken a large chunk off, exposing the interior. Each tube contains a single worm of the species Sabellaria alveolata, and is roughly 10-12" long. The worm settles into the colony after 5 or 6 weeks as a drifting larva, and then spends the rest of its life filter-feeding from the upper end of the tube (and presumably extending it to solidify the colony)

Richard Law