Rocky shores are superb places for exploration - there is so much to see! Rockpools provide a glimpse into the underwater world, while ledges, crevices and overhangs provide surfaces for animals and seaweeds to cling to. When the tide returns, the shore becomes part of the sea once more.

rocky shore facts

• You'll find different kinds of animal and seaeed on different parts of the shore. As a result of the tides, and of varying conditions over the shore, all shores and beaches can be divided into zones which have specific characteristics and communities. They are all affected by wave action, availability of light, desiccation due to exposure to air, the type of rock surface(substrate), aspect, and by other life on the shore through competition and grazing.
• splash zone
  This zone is only occasionally inundated by seawater. making it a harsh place for anything alive to survive here. Plants include rock samphire. thrift and sea campion alongside lots of low-growing encrusting lichens. The sea slster is common here, but it is a nocturnal (night - time) feeder that hides away from predators during the day.
• upper shore
  Here life is well adapted to the vigorous conditions of exposure, wave activity and wide fluctuations in salinity and temperature. The most abundant seaweed is the channelled wrack. The few animal species that are adapted to live within this zone tend to have a protective outer shell or are permanently attached to the rock surface. The acorn barnacle is permanently cemented to the rock surface and can close its “trap door” when exposed to air. Limpets remain firmly attached to a rock surface when the tide is out; when submerged the limpet becomes active. leaving its “home spot” to feed. The shore crab is able to control its own salt levels so can live quite happily under the stressful conditions of the upper shore.
• action alert: Always follow the MCS Seashore Code, and take part in projects like the annual MCS Beachwatch beach survey and clean-up campaign.
  middle shore
  This zone displays a greater diversity of species because it is an area that does not suffer such long periods of exposure to air and variation in physical factors as the upper shore. Bladder wrack. serrated wrack and knotted wrack are common. Look for wandering periwinkles, dogwhelks and limpets.
• lower shore
  This zone is the most prolific because the rocks and pools are exposed and cut off from the sea for only short periods, allowing many more soft - bodied animals and large seaweeds to survive. Seaweeds include familiar tangle weed, sugar kelp and thongweed. and many red-pigmented species. Many larger animals such as crabs and lobsters may be hiding amongst rocks and crevices, whilst fish such as butterfish and even wrasse which have been trapped pools may be found. Starfish. brittlestars and anemones can be seen.

Factsheets & books about rocky shores
can be ordered from the MCS shop