Welcome to Shelly Bay Park and Nature Reserve!
Shelly Bay is said to be named for Henry Shelly of the Sea Venture, who apparently discovered it 'swarming with mullets and excellent pilchards'. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the wide bay and long beach harbored shipyards, which built some of the graceful Cedar sloops and clippers for which Bermuda was renowned.
Today the area is part of the Bermuda National Park system and is managed by both the Department of Parks and the Department of Conservation Services. Shelly Bay includes a 14 acre amenity park and a 6 acre nature reserve.
Within the nature reserve is a small saltwater pond, although it can be difficult to see through the predominantly Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) forest that surrounds it.
Red Mangroves get their name from the bright red colour of wood underneath the bark. They can grow up to 30 feet (9m). In order to grow that big in a soft muddy environment they have adapted aerial 'prop roots', which help prop up the tree and gives it a spider-like appearance. These special roots also filter the salt out of the seawater, allowing the tree to get the water it needs to survive. The prop roots also have openings that allow the tree to breath air.
Native to Bermuda, Florida, the West Indies and tropical America, this species of mangrove has declined in Bermuda throughout the 20th century due to clearing for coastal development and storm damage. This decline, coupled with the significance of Bermuda's mangroves as the most northern in the Atlantic, and the incredible importance of these trees for structuring habitat and hosting other plants and animals, led to both the Red Mangrove and Black Mangrove being listed under the Protected Species Act in 2011.
Shelly Bay is one of the few beaches on the North Shore, with an extensive stretch of shallow water, making it ideal for swimming. Directly behind the beach is a playground and grassy area, great for a picnic. The park also offers access to a lovely stretch of Railway Trail. Great for walking and finding other geocaches!
Public transport:
Bus # 10 and #11
Disclaimer
- This geocache has approval to be placed at this location on property managed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Parks.
- The following items may not be placed in the geocache: food, illegal substances, medications, personal hygiene products, pornographic materials, hazardous materials, or weapons of any type.
- By searching for the cache, visitors agree that they are responsible for their own actions, and acknowledge that neither the Bermuda Government nor the cache owner is responsible for any loss or injury that may occur in relation to such search.
- Report any incident, problem, or violation to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
