Shore dock (Rumex rupestris) Shore dock is found in only two locations in the Plymouth Sound & Estuaries SAC – Wembury Bay and Rame. It is one of the most threatened endemic vascular plants in Europe. Shore dock favours habitats where there is a consistent source of freshwater. Designated as a feature of the Special […]

Smelt (Osmerus eperlanus) The Tamar Estuaries MCZ is currently the only site designated for smelt because of its importance as a spawning ground for the species. Around February-March, mature adults migrate, in sometimes large numbers, up the Tamar Estuary to the tidal reaches at Gunnislake Weir to spawn in the freshwater areas of clean gravel […]

Allis shad (Alosa alosa) Allis shad is a rare migratory fish, that spends much of its adult life at sea. Once matured, they head for freshwater at the top of the estuary and when the temperature’s right, they spawn at night, laying their eggs on the river bed. After the young fish hatch they stay […]

Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) Easily identified by their black and white plumage and distinctive, long up-turned bill, Avocets were once extinct in the UK. The Tamar Estuary was the first wintering location for avocets after they returned to UK shores in 1947. Classified in the UK as an Amber List species under the Birds of Conservation […]

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) This small white heron, with black legs and bill, and yellow feet, is one of the reasons the Tamar Estuaries are protected. Although there is a small population here all year round, numbers swell in late autumn as they migrate to the area’s feeding grounds, where they feast on small fish […]