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Storm Ciara washes up sand gapers on Littlestone beach, Romney Marsh

By: Sam Williams swilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 14:56, 12 February 2020

Updated: 17:04, 12 February 2020

"Millions" of shell fish have washed up on a Kent beach following Storm Ciara.

The small squid-like creatures were spotted on Littlestone beach, on Romney Marsh, this morning by walkers.

The shell fish has washed up on Littlestone beach. Picture: Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership

One man who spotted them said: "Mother nature has been cruel. There must have been a few thousand baby squid [there]."

The man also discovered an octopus on the sand.

But nature expert Owen Leyshon, who works for the Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership, says the creatures are actually sand gapers, also known as soft shell clams, not squid.

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They were thrown from the sea by the recent stormy weather.

My Leyshon says they will now provide dinner for hungry hunters.

'Millions' of the fish have died following the stormy weather

He said: "If you walk down Littlestone beach today you may have noticed millions of these.

"They are known as 'sand gapers' a small shell fish.

"During storms shell fish are washed up by the rough seas.

"This happened over the weekend but they won’t go to waste.

"Gulls, waders and evening mammals like foxes will feast along the tideline on the washed up shell fish."

Dave Bowls captured these photos of the washed up fish

Another walker noticed 'hundreds' of seagulls by the coastline at dawn this morning, feasting on the fish.

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But this is not the only devastation caused by Storm Ciara; she also created travel chaos, with the Port of Dover having to cancels services and two bridges, the QEII and Sheppey Crossing, both having to close.

Some roads and railway lines were also out of action on Sunday, and major attractions had to shut for safety reasons, including Port Lympne Reserve and Dover Castle.

A lorry also overturned on the A20 and part of a house fell down in Broadstairs.

Kent is expected to be battered by another storm, named Dennis, this weekend.

Mr Bowls also discovered an octopus in the sand

For all the forecasts, warnings and weather related news, click here.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

Read more: All the latest news from Romney Marsh

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