Country diary: When is a jellyfish not a jellyfish? | Claire Stares

Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex: As I swam it was disconcerting to feel something brushing against my skin; but no pain or sting came afterFor the past few weeks, social media has been awash with photos of jellyfish, the heatwave drawing swarms of the UK's five most common species - moon, compass, barrel, lion's mane and blue - inshore in search of plankton blooms. With images of pulsating, tentacle-trailing behemoths fresh in my mind, it was disconcerting to plunge into the sea and feel the sensation of something brushing against my bare arms and face.I paused mid-stroke, waiting for the prickling, itching or burning pain that would indicate a sting, but none came so I carried on swimming. Then something bumped against my left shin. Taking a breath, I ducked beneath the surface and peered around. The water was cloudy with silt but I could just make out small, shadowy orbs drifting across my field of vision like eye floaters. Continue reading...