Marine life
Strange blue animals are washing up on Guernsey’s beaches. Scientists think they know why
The colony of animals, closely related to jellyfish, are harmless to humans, say the scientists.
Watch: incredibly rare (and very cute) seahorse found on Cornish beach walk
Only seven long-snouted seahorses have been spotted in the last 10 years, making the sighting in Cornwall particularly exciting.
A Somerset schoolgirl has discovered what may be the largest marine reptile ever found
The remains of an enormous jawbone more than two metres long have been found on a beach at Blue Anchor in south-west England. Scientists believe the bones belong to a new species of giant ichthyosaur that was the size of a blue whale.
185 hectares of new seagrass meadows discovered in UK waters
Almost 100 new seagrass beds covering a surface area the size of 200 football pitches have been found as part of the inaugural Great Seagrass Survey.
Jellyfish boom: sightings up 32% in UK waters
A new report by the Marine Conservation Society has revealed a huge rise in jellyfish sightings in UK and Irish waters over the past year.
Oyster reef the 'size of a football pitch' created in North East England
10,000 European native oysters have been introduced to a newly built living reef off the coast of Sunderland in bid to restore the threatened species and support Britain’s marine life.
Guide to jellyfish: British species identification and how to treat stings
Jellyfish swarm British seas in the summer months and often wash up along the shoreline. Learn how to identify, what they eat and what to do if you're unlucky enough to be stung by one.
British seashell guide: how to identify and where to find
Enhance your next beach walk with our guide to some of the most common seashells found along the British coastline.
Exploring a bustling seabird colony on the Yorkshire coast
Listen to the thrilling bustle of a seabird colony as naturalist Megan Shersby visits RSPB Bempton Cliffs on the Yorkshire coast in episode 9, season 15 of the Countryfile Plodcast
Podcast: Relax to a soothing wander around the hidden coves of Anglesey
Meet grey seals and shorebirds at forgotten Cemlyn Bay on the northern coast of Anglesey in episode 4, season 15 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Seaweed guide: common UK species and how to identify them
There are over 600 types of seaweed in the UK – here we look at 10 of the most common, including some of the best types of edible seaweed to look for on UK shores.
Rockpool identification guide
The rockpool is home to many mysterious and exotic creatures, but do you know your Bladderwrack from your Prickly Cockle? Our expert rockpool identification guide reveals what creatures you're likely to spot when rockpooling and how to identify them.
Rare multi-coloured sea slug spotted for first time in UK waters
The colourful and extremely rare sea slug, Babakina anadoni, has been spotted off the coast of the Isles of Scilly, making it the first-ever recording of the species in the UK
Bluefin tuna: 10 amazing facts about their anatomy
Our expert guide to everything you need to know about the bluefish tuna, from why they are so prized in the sushi trade to how they swim at such high speeds
How bluefish tuna returned to UK oceans after 60 years of absence
After more than 60 years, bluefin tuna have been spotted once more in UK waters. Learn more about this sleek turbo-athlete of the ocean.
Big Seaweed Search Week: how to take part and what to look for
Visiting the coast this July? Join in the Big Seaweed Search to help assess the state of the UK’s seaweed — a vital carbon store that can help mitigate the impact of climate change.
Starfish guide: UK species, how to identify and where to see
Learn how to identify some of Britain's most common starfish with our spotter's guide.
The best wildlife webcams to watch in the UK and Ireland
Whether you want to watch nesting birds, nocturnal mammals or displays of strength, you can enjoy live footage of wildlife around the UK and Ireland wherever you are. Here is our expert guide to the best wildlife webcams to watch right now.
Anglers challenge new research that claims salmon farms are not harming wild fish
A new research paper claiming that salmon farming on the west coast of Scotland has no harmful effect on wild salmon populations has been slammed by a leading conservation organisation.
First grey seal pup born at Blakeney Point seal colony
One of Norfolk’s annual winter wildlife spectacles is underway with the birth of the first grey seal pup of the season
Best fish identification books in 2024
Want to familiarise yourself with the fish that live in Britain's waters? Look no further than our pick of the best fish identification books.
National Marine Week 2021: what's on and wildlife to spot
Explore Britain's spectacular coastline this summer and celebrate the wonderful seaside wildlife of our shores this National Marine Week. Here's our guide on the best activities and events to join.
First match between orcas seen in Scotland and Norway
Photos taken by a citizen scientist have been identified as the mysterious orca pod seen in Scotland three years ago.
Breathtaking photographs of life beneath the UK’s seas
Gain a new perspective of life in our seas with this amazing gallery of images collated by the Marine Conservation Society.