Warm spell washes up thousands of jelly fish

The warm weather has sparked a bloom of jellyfish on Cefn Sidan beach.

Thousands of barrel jellyfish have been found washed up on the shore over the weekend.

Around 50 of them, attracted by the high sea temperature, were also spotted at Burry Port Harbour on Saturday.

Commonly known as frilly-mouthed or dustbin lid, they are around 16 inches in diameter but can reach 35 inches, making it the largest jellyfish in British waters.

Although the species is harmless to humans, beachgoers are advised not to touch them.

The council’s countryside and parks manager, Rory Dickinson said: “We’ve seen a few dotted around the beach for the last two weeks or so. They generally make an appearance every year but their numbers have increased, partly due to the warm spell and the changing chemicals in the sea. It’s likely the tide will take them back out over the next couple of days. They’re generally harmless, lead amazing lives and are a vital part of our wildlife.”

The rare leatherback turtle thrive off them so sightings are expected across Carmarthenshire coast.

Barrel numbers have grown in recent years because of mild winters which have allowed plankton, which they feed on, to thrive.

The stranded jellyfish also add to the natural strandline ecology, which is an important part of any beach and provides a food source for many animals including ringed plover birds.

Hundreds have also been spotted on the Pembrokeshire coast with dozens of sightings across the UK.

If you see any sea turtles or other rare marine life then please let us know and send your sightings to our Facebook page – Pembrey Country Park or Twitter page @ParkPembrey.