Measuring some 12,000 miles – not counting its myriad of offshore islands – the coast comprises the most varied, vulnerable and most fascinating places in Britain and Ireland. Contained here are its many highlights, from sea caves to sea otters, from tides to treasure, and from to puffins to pillboxes. But as rising sea levels eat relentlessly at its boundaries our coast is changing ever faster, revealing new stories of our islands’ past whilst bringing into focus its most precious assets that demand protection.
The coast is home to wildlife of all huge variety, whether whales and dolphins or rare orchids and undersea forests. There are amazing natural structures including dunes, saltmarshes, and outstanding manmade features –forts, piers, lighthouses and holiday camps. And the coast bursts with extraordinary energy, from the weather and tides and through the diverse activities of fishing and holiday making. Tales of mystery and intrigue played out by smugglers, mermaids and other magical creatures complete the story.
Here you’ll find the answers to all these intruiging questions:
• Over 850,000 years ago early humans walked on a beach? Where were their footprints found?
• Where do minke whales return to the coast year after year?
• Which seaside grotto is decorated with more than 4.6 million shells?
• Where is the coast’s largest gannet colony?
• On which beach can you see the remains of a famous shipwreck at low tide?
• Did you know that sand dunes can sing – and where can you hear them?
• Where can you find a mermaid carved in a church – and why?