Take a glimpse into the mysterious world of marine creatures revealed by the receding tide. Rock pooling is an exciting, accessible and easy activity for all ages. Take a look at the video below, our recent collaboration with the Marine Conservation Society, and discover how, when and where you should go rock pooling. Read our guide below for hints and tips to help you find even the most elusive creatures!
Illustrations by Laura Coles
The answer is: very little!
All you really need is sensible clothing and footwear. You may also wish to take along a guidebook, and a camera so that you can record your finds and upload them to our database.
You don’t need a bucket, but a re-usable food container may prove useful for a closer look at your finds.
You could take a bag to pick up any litter you find washed up on the beach, and a flask of hot drink is also welcome on chilly days!
Illustrations by Laura Coles
Illustrations by Laura Coles
Handle wildlife with care:
Illustrations by Laura Coles
The tide has a huge influence on coastal wildlife. Some species can be found high on the beach and are only covered at high tide, whereas many others you will only find near the water’s edge at low tide. When searching, check beneath rocks, under overhangs, in nooks and crannies. The closer you look, the more wildlife you’ll see.
The best way to make the most of your rock pooling trip is to contribute to real science by carrying out a survey. The Rock Pool Project has surveys suitable for all abilities, and your finds will be checked by our marine biologist experts. Why not try a Bioblitz and see how many different species you can find? Or, if you’re more confident, help us with our monthly crustacean survey and impress others with your knowledge of crabs and shrimp.
Find full details of our surveys, and instructions on uploading your finds here.
Want to go rock pooling but not sure where to start?
Book a Bespoke Rock Pool Safari today and benefit from one to one advice from our marine biologist experts. You’ll be able to contribute to our scientific records, and receive a personalised report of all your finds.
For all available events and opportunities, click here.
A good field guide will greatly enhance your rock pooling experience. There are many UK guides available. Here are some good options:
Check out our blog series to see some of the extraordinary critters you might encounter.
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