The herring gull is the typical 'seagull' of our seaside resorts, though our coastal populations have declined in recent decades.

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…

A stocky, little sandpiper, the knot can be spotted in estuaries from August onwards, migrating here from the Arctic where it breeds. Look out for it probing the muddy sand with its specialised…

These little critters are related to the woodlice you find in your garden and play a very important role on rocky shores.

The Arctic tern is famed for its aggression towards any that would disturb its nest - it will dive-bomb intruders with its sharp beak. Large, noisy colonies can be found on the Farne Islands and…

This sponge is found on rocky shores around the UK and looks like a thick bready crust (if you use your imagination a bit!).

The sand lizard is extremely rare due to the loss of its sandy heath and dune habitats. Reintroduction programmes have helped establish new populations.