The Essential Guide to Beachcombing and the Strandline (Wild Nature Press): 4 - Softcover

Steve Trewhella; Julie Hatcher

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0957394675 ISBN 13: 9780957394674

Publisher: Wild Nature Press, 2015

Synopsis

From time immemorial people have been drawn to the beach to collect practical resources as well as mysterious objects that have fuelled myth and folklore - it is our inherent hunter-gatherer instinct. Whether you are a seasoned beachcomber, a casual visitor or an enthusiastic naturalist this book will satisfy your curiosity about the treasures found cast up on the beach strandline, be it a pretty seashell, a spent eggcase, a seaweed frond or an exotic ocean voyager. Every find has a story to tell and we aim to answer the questions that arise from each beachcombing discovery - what is it and where has it come from? Clear photographs and descriptions are accompanied by information about the natural history of the animals and plants you encounter. Even man-made debris can offer a fascinating introduction to the workings of the ocean and illustrate how items discarded in Africa or America can wash ashore on a British beach.The beach strandline is often overlooked as a wildlife habitat but is home to a unique community of flora and fauna, many found nowhere else. It is understudied and under threat, facing a variety of man-made problems. In this book you will find a comprehensive account of the animals and plants that make up this rich and ever-changing oasis of life in the otherwise harsh environment of the beach. The more we understand the delicate nature of the strandline the more we can do to nurture and protect it.But beware - beachcombing can be an addictive pleasure! Make sure you pack this book every time you visit the beach - there is always something new to discover, whether on a nocturnal strandline safari, making seaweed whistles or hunting minibeasts with pots and pooters. Emmerse yourself in the beachcombing experience; the wind in your face, the smell of salt spray, the roar of the ocean; it's an assault on the senses, the perfect tonic - and this book is your essential guide.

About this title

About the Author

Steve Trewhella is a diver and photographer specialising in British marine life above and below the waves. He is a keen naturalist and when not diving enjoys beachcombing, rockpooling and recording strandline and coastal invertebrates. His beachcombing finds include new species records for the UK and new information about the distribution of wildlife endemic to strandlines. His images are used in publications all over the world and he has worked as a contributor on many natural history television features. His work can be viewed at www.ukcoastalwildlife.co.uk Julie Hatcher is a marine biologist working in marine conservation in Dorset. Her work involves raising awareness of the marine environment and marine and coastal wildlife in the UK, and she has written many articles for newspapers and magazines, as well as designing interpretation panels, posters and leaflets. She also leads guided rockpool rambles and seashore identification training courses, and has been a scuba diver for many years, mostly in the UK. Steve and Julie met in 2004 since when they have jointly organised projects to record Pink Sea Fan skeletons, long-haul litter and strandline invertebrates as well as carrying out dive surveys for seahorses and stalked jellyfish. Their combined knowledge and interest in beachcombing has developed over many years, fuelled by inspirational characters along the way. A desire to share their understanding of this fascinating activity has led to this book.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wild Nature Press
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 0957394675
• ISBN 13: 9780957394674
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 304