The Public Aquaria of the U.K.'s Lake District
By David Marshall
of the Ryedale Aquarist Society, North Yorkshire, England
Aquarticles
Renowned for its beautiful natural scenery, the U.K.'s Lake District National Park is
situated in Cumbria, North-Western England.
Of aquarists' interest are two excellent Public Aquariums that, between them, display
the aquatic life of the region's rivers, estuaries and coastal waters to full effect.
During a 9-day visit to the Lakes, August 2003, Sue and I revisited both of these
Aquariums and report on what we found as follows: -
The Aquarium of the Lakes
Location - Lakeside (on the bank of Lake Windermere), Newby Bridge. Further
Information - www.aquariumofthelakes.co.uk
40 variously sized exhibits with excellent audio-visual and panelled
information supported by child-friendly staff.
This is a themed Aquarium in which the visitor is taken on the journey of a raindrop
from the Cumbrian Mountains to the estuary of Morecambe Bay. The previous time we were
here the attraction had only opened a few weeks earlier and was going through teething
problems, but now all the exhibits have a mature look about them and so we had a
thoroughly enjoyable visit.
As they enter the building visitors are met by the backdrop of a cascading waterfall
whose pool currently houses a shoal of very impressive Mirror Carp. A staircase takes you
to the crown of the waterfall and the journey begins. First major exhibit is the Otter
enclosure, and as the two occupants had only just finished feeding they were very active.
The 'Lake at Night' exhibit, using a moonlight effect, shows how fish never actually
sleep, thus the Carp and Barbel it contains were actively searching for anything edible.
The section following is very child orientated and allows youngsters to look at insects
and amphibians through microscopic equipment.
Whilst Sue visited the mini-cinema, showing a short film on how nature adapts to the
changing weather seasons, I was engrossed by the 'invaders' exhibit featuring a shoal of
Pumpkinseed fish. Now illegal, without a licence for home aquaria in the U.K., these fish
are running rampant in the Leeds-Liverpool canal.
Now we are at what for me was the highlight of our visit. We are on a wide bridge,
which runs over the top of the walk through tunnel. Standing here watching the various
silhouettes of Sturgeon, Pike and Carp species was truly amazing and I could have stayed
here all day. Since we were last there the length of the tunnel had been shortened and
coming face-to-face with its fish occupants was a little of an anti-climax after seeing
them from above.
As the freshwater exhibits come to a close the estuary exhibits begin, and are
excellent, particularly those that get children involved. On this subject what we have to
say is that young visitors are excellently catered for with quiz sheets, badge making and
a ginger haired explorer, complete with giant magnifying glass, who wanders around telling
kiddies a whole host of interesting facts (and who was interested in the fact that yours
truly was engrossed with the exhibits and making notes for Aquarticles etc.) about the
creatures on show.
Sue was amazed at the colours of some of the Wrasse species found around our coastline,
and these fish always look so at home in the confines of aquaria.
Finally we come to the Bay display with its Rays and Dogfish. Not as spectacular as the
last time we were here.
Now a point worth remembering is that once into the gift shop you cannot return to the
exhibits.
Top tip - Arrive at the Aquarium for the 10 a.m. opening time as the building,
during peak holiday times, becomes full very quickly.
Top moan - Although available in the adjoining cafe and on the boat quay there
are no toilet facilities in the Aquarium building.
Lake District Coast Aquarium
Location - Maryport's beautiful South Quay. Further information - www.lakedistrict-coastaquarium.co.uk
Over 2000 fish of 200 different species displayed in 45 variously sized aquaria.
Panelled information.
The entrance ticket represents great value, as once your ticket is purchased, you can
come and go from the Aquarium as many times as you like in that day. There are no stylish
aquaria here, just a wonderful collection of well thought-out displays.
Since our previous visit the opening display has changed and now consists of what would
be my favourite exhibit - a freshwater stream community complete with large Tench, various
species of Trout and the largest Perch I have ever seen.
- The freshwater and brackish displays soon give way to the stars of this Aquarium in
the form of around 35 native marine aquaria. To go through all of these would take to much
space so here are our favourites:
- The kelp display where the lush green of the plants is contrasted by the bright
orange colour of the Wrasse which inhabit this tank.
- The wave display which recreates the crashing and thunder of waves against the shore.
After a while this can become a little disconcerting and, although they are in the best of
health, you feel a little sorry for the Sea Bass who have to live with all this movement.
- A large aquarium surrounded by rock that gives a cave appearance and contains some huge
Cod and their relatives.
The point of this Aquarium is not just display but is fish reproduction. Although no
great emphasis is made of this, it is shown by the number of fry and young fish that you
come across throughout a number of the displays.
Since we were last here the cafeteria area has been enlarged with an outside play area
added for young visitors.
Top tip - If you are interested in history visit the Maryport Roman Museum as
part of your day, as the display of temple artefacts is unique.
We cannot leave the Lakes without mentioning the following: -
For those interested in wildlife of all types, Trotter's World of Animals at Bassenthwaite
Lake is well worth a visit. Here you will find a terrific collection of non-predatory
South American mammals, Lemurs and Australasian mammals, all kept in spacious enclosures
which allow for a natural life. Regular falconry displays are held and there are plenty of
activities for children. In the Tropical House you will find a Rift Valley community tank
whose residents include Dolphin Cichlids and Cuckoo Synodontis.
I hope Howard will allow us to mention a retail outlet (with which neither I or Ryedale
Aquarist Society has any connection), as North Lakes Aquatics at Penrith is a cichlid,
catfish and Polyepterus paradise where the staff are always keen to assist their
customers.
|