At lunchtime today something very special happened to me. I was picking up rubbish on the beach that the big waves deposited after the stormy weather. I found a big tangle of a net sack and fishing wire. Nothing unusual in that...

I was pulling away bits of seaweed, and noticed there was a mermaids purse attached to it. But inlikely all those I have found before it wasn't empty!!!

But it was far away from the sea (Bristol channel has huge tidal range), so thought it needed to be back in the water. I removed the egg case from the litter and went to put it in a rock pool. It started to wriggle, but there wasnt much room left in there for it....

It wriggled around and after a short time emerged & unfolded into a 'newborn' Lesser Dogfish, pink like a little baby, and with a small egg yolk attached. It fitted in the palm of my hand and was one of the most wonderful moments ever. Good luck little one. @The Shark Trust