The secret that UK divers have known for many years is out - we have some of the best diving in the world on our doorstep. BBC2’s Britain’s Secret Seas is a stunning series that uncovers the dramatic, inspiring and at times surprising marine environment that surrounds the British Isles. Over four weeks presenter and BSAC scuba diver Paul Rose, marine biologist Tooni Mahto and archaeologist Frank Pope revealed that the seas around Britain are as every bit as colourful and extraordinary as the oceans around the world. From seals, dolphins and basking sharks to reefs, wrecks, fascinating history and curious night-time predators – our small island is home to a vast array of underwater treasures just waiting to be discovered. Britain's Secret Seas was broadcast May 2011, - see the BBC's Britain's Secret Seas page. The programmes are no longer available to view but the real thing is....... As Richard Bull - Bristol’s dive legend and Britain's Secret Seas dive supervisor - explains*... "Britain has the best wreck diving in the world. Think of The English Channel: how many sea battles have been fought over the centuries on this strip of water? How many ships fell prey to submarines during World War II? How many submarines themselves perished? The answer to all these questions is undoubtedly, lots. The Channel is still the busiest shipping lane in the world and to this day the ships are still doing what they have always been doing - bumping into each other and sinking.  "At the other end of the UK, on the bottom of Scapa Flow in the Orkney Islands, lies a scuttled German fleet: battleships, heavy cruisers - the lot. "All around our coasts there are wrecks of mysterious historic ships and modern wrecks about which we know a great deal. Was it really the cook at the helm when the biggest ship ever to be wrecked in UK waters hit the Seven Stones? "Big fish? We've got them too. The Basking Shark is the second largest fish in the world and there are certain times of the year when these magnificent creatures are a common sight around our western coasts.
"They will want to play, and even if you don't want to join in you can be sure that your fins will be nibbled and an aquatic ballet will be performed right in front of your eyes." There are seals around Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel, too - and we have a 6 day trip
there in club boats in June. A definite "must" will be a shallow dive or snorkel with these wonderful creatures.  Wrecks are "time capsules" and reef dives on the same dive, attracting an incredible variety of marine life. And Severnside has a well-deserved reputation for wreck diving and exploration. So, if the series has got you interested and you want to explore the delights of UK waters, just drop us a line at info@severnsidesac.com or come to our clubhouse any Monday night where you will be given a warm welcome. We can explain the training needed if you have never dived before, and the equipment and extra skills you will need if you have only dived abroad. Come and see Britain’s Secret Seas for yourself - and why not bring the family? * Richard Bull's explanation from 'UK Diving is the Most Rewarding'. |
"I have encountered marine mammals all over the world but by far the most intimate interaction has been with the seals in the Farne Islands off the Northumbrian coast.