Barnacles are so common on our rocky shores that you've probably never really noticed them. They're the little grey bumps covering the rocks that hurt your feet when you're rockpooling. They're actually tiny little crustaceans and are related to crabs and lobsters!
A pretty and distinctive little waterbird, the mandarin duck was introduced from the Far East as its name suggests. Oddly for a duck, it nests in trees, sometimes high above the water.
Cuttlefish are related to squids and octopuses – a group of molluscs known as cephalopods. You may have seen the chalky internal shell, called a cuttlebone washed up on beaches around the UK. These are often used in budgie cages, as a calcium-rich dietary supplement for the bird.
Have you ever seen those worm-like mounds on beaches? Those are a sign of lugworms! The worms themselves are very rarely seen except by fishermen who dig them up for bait.
A handsome gamebird, the pheasant is an introduced species that has settled here with little problem. It can be spotted in its farmland and woodland habitats, although you'll probably hear the loud, croaking call of the male before you see it.
These little critters are related to the woodlice you find in your garden and play a very important role on rocky shores.
Sand Hoppers really live up to their name, jumping high into the air when disturbed.
A well known inhabitant of UK seas, common lobsters can reach up to 60cm in length.
Look out for this tiny crab under rocks and boulders on rocky shores - you'll have to look closely though, they're pretty well camouflaged!
If you spot a crawling shell next time you're at the seaside, take a closer look… it might be a hermit crab!
Despite its name, the great spider crab is actually smaller than the more common European spider crab.
Also known as the brown crab, this large crab is found around all UK shores and is identifiable by the distinctive pie-crust edge to its brown shell.
