Rocky Shores

An accessible and engaging account of the natural history of rocky and boulder-strewn shores around Britain''s coastline.

In Rocky Shores, authors John Archer-Thomson and Julian Cremona explore the species, communities, and landscape of the narrow strip bounding Britain''s coast. It may be limited in extent, but no other habitat in Britain is as extreme and dynamic: as the tide ebbs and flows, physical and chemical conditions can alter dramatically in a matter of minutes. An impressive array of life forms has adapted well and even manages to thrive in these challenging conditions.

This beautifully illustrated book guides the reader through the patterns of marine biodiversity that we might encounter on sheltered and exposed shores, from the inhospitable "splash zone" to the repeatedly submerged lower shore, and everything in between. Rock pools dotted across the shore contain unique pockets of diversity, while the strandline formed by marine debris at the high-tide mark supports a unique community of microbes and invertebrates that in turn attract birds and mammals.

Filled with stunning photographs of rocky shores and their extraordinary inhabitants, this book will appeal to anyone with a love of the shore--from occasional "rockpooler" through to enthusiastic naturalist.