Coasts and Coastlines Books

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Book SynopsisMeasuring some 12,000 miles not counting its myriad of offshore islands the coast comprises the most varied, vulnerable and most fascinating places in Britain and Ireland.Contained here are its many highlights, from sea caves to sea otters, from tides to treasure, and from to puffins to pillboxes.

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Book Synopsis100 delightful walks that reveal hidden treasures in our countryside secret beaches, abandoned villages, mysterious caves, hidden waterfalls. Walks are 2-6 miles in length to maximise manageability. Every walk has How to get there' details and an easy-to-follow map, plus an OS Map reference. Supported by the National Trust This is the curious walker's guide to Britain's most unique and unexpected destinations. In these pages you will discover rambling routes leading to secluded coves, secret beaches, lost lakes, abandoned villages, mysterious caves, fantastic follies and fossils, bizarre bothies, buried boats, weird woods, quirky cascades, covert wartime bases and bunkers, hidden hilltop memorials, ancient trees, storied shipwrecks, prehistoric tombs and idiosyncratic monuments celebrating wonderful moments of eccentricity throughout history. Whether you're meandering through the countryside, ambling along the coast, wandering through woodlands or exploring city streets, the discovery of a secret transforms a simple stroll into a proper adventure. The routes are organised by region and graded according to degree of difficulty and suitability for families and dog owners. Each is accompanied by an easy to follow map and instructions on how to reach the trailhead. Secret Walks gives you cause to pause and take another look at the landscape that surrounds us; to contemplate some of the hidden treasures that lie waiting to be found, on well-trodden ground, let alone around the more remote corners of the country. Enjoy these trails of the unexpected.

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Book SynopsisMudlarker and photographer Lisa Woollett takes us on an exhilarating journey around Britain's forgotten coastline

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Book SynopsisDiscover over 1,200 species of animals and plants found in the coastal regions of Britain and make the most of your surroundings, whether you are on a holiday browse or serious quest. This is the definitive photographic reference guide for nature enthusiasts.This informative photographic guide will help nature enthusiasts visiting the seashore to discover and quickly and accurately identify the animals and plants commonly found in the coastal areas of Britain.The book is illustrated with beautiful photographs throughout, the perfect seashore companion for staycation' travelling nature enthusiasts as well as general natural history buffs. Young and old alike keen to discover the wildlife of Britain''s coastal areas will delight in this beautifully practical guide.Trade Review‘Beautiful photographs’ The London Naturalist Praise for the Collins Complete series: 'Wonderfully descriptive photographs'BBC Wildlife 'Packs in lots of well-chosen detail in compact form'British Wildlife ‘A bookshelf essential’The Field

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Book Synopsis''An immersive and lyrically personal journey through deep-time and modern tides'' RAYNOR WINN''Wondrous, elegant and haunting, Lost to the Sea is a fascinating alternative history of the fractured, flooded and eroded edges of Britain and Ireland'' PHILIP HOARE''Beautiful . . . Woollett paints vividly the da-to-day lives of past peoples'' TLSMedieval kingdoms. Notorious pirate towns. Drowned churches. Crocodile-infested swamps.On a series of coastal walks, Lisa Woollett takes us on an illuminating journey, bringing to life the places where mythology and reality meet at the very edges of Britain and Ireland.From Bronze Age settlements on the Isles of Scilly and submerged prehistoric forests in Wales, to a Victorian amusement park on the Isle of Wight and castles in the air off County Clare, Lisa draws together archaeology, meetings with locals and tales from folklore to reveal how the sea has for

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Book SynopsisThe tide is the greatest synchronised movement of matter on our planet. Every drop of seawater takes part in tidal motion, driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun. At the coast, we see the tide as a twice-daily rise and fall of sea level that moves the edge of the sea up and down a beach or cliff-face. In some places, the tide is small but at others it can rise in a few hours by the height of a three storey building; it then has to be treated with great respect by those who live and work by the sea. In this Very Short Introduction David George Bowers and Emyr Martyn Roberts explore what we know about the tides. Blending clear explanations of well known tidal phenomena with recent insights in the deep ocean and coastal seas, Bowers and Roberts use examples from around the world, to tell the story of the tide, considering its nature and causes, its observation and prediction, and unusual tides and their relevance. They explore why tides have attracted the attention of some of the world''s greatest scientists, from the initial challenge of explaining why there are two tides a day when the moon and sun pass overhead just once; a problem that was solved by Isaac Newton. In the 19th century, scientists unravelled the rhythms of the tide; good tidal predictions in the form of tide tables were then possible. The predictions were made on beautiful tide predicting machines constructed of brass and mahogany, some of which can still be seen in maritime museums. In the 20th century, the importance of tides as mixers of sea water became evident. As Bowers and Roberts explore, tidal mixing of the ocean is essential for maintaining its deep circulation, a key part of the climate-control system of our planet. In inshore waters, tidal mixing enhances biological productivity, influences sea temperature and turbidity and creates dramatic features such as maelstroms and tidal bores. In the 21st century, space probes are examining the effects of tidal processes on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn and the possibility of tidally-heated liquid oceans with their own ecosystems. Looking to the cutting edge of tidal research, Bowers and Roberts also consider how we can study the role of the tide in the geological and biological evolution of our own planet with innovative computer models. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewThis is an interesting and well written book that provides an invaluable introduction to all things tidal ... This is most certainly a book I would recommend to any oceanography students, or indeed physical geography students keen to get an understanding of tides and their importance in marine, coastal and estuarine environments. * Robert A. Francis, Progress in Physical Geography *Table of Contents1: Watching the tide 2: Making tides 3: Measurement and prediciton 4: The tide in shelf seas 5: Tidal bores 6: Tides and the Earth 7: Tidal mixing 8: New frontiers Further Reading index

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Book SynopsisRaised on its banks and an avid sailor, Caroline Crampton sets out to rediscover the enigmatic pull of the Thames by following its course from the river's source in a small village in Gloucestershire, through the short central stretch beloved of Londoners and tourists alike, to the point where it merges with the North Sea. As she navigates the river's ever-shifting tidal waters, she seeks out the stories behind its unique landmarks, from the vast Victorian pumping stations that carried away the capital's waste and the shiny barrier that holds the sea at bay, to the Napoleonic-era forts that stand on marshy ground as eerie relics of past invasions. In spellbinding prose, she reveals the histories of its empty warehouses and arsenals; its riverbanks layered with Anglo-Saxon treasures; and its shipwrecks, still inhabited by the ghosts of the drowned. The Way to the Sea is at once a fascinating portrait of an iconic stretch of water and a captivating introduction to a new voice in British non-fiction.Trade Review[A] praise-hymn to the muddy, marshy far reaches of the river... captivating -- Rose George * New Statesman *Short but rich... [Crampton] writes movingly, sometimes with flecks of nostalgia or melancholy, but ultimately her book is a rallying call for greater appreciation of the maligned and overlooked * Evening Standard *Like the Thames itself, this book carries you along on a journey full of rich detail and fascinating insight -- Madeleine BuntingAn affectionate portrait of an often neglected landscape... rich and fascinating... Crampton writes beautifully of the area's charms. Her first-hand knowledge of navigating the river gives the book the descriptive power that brings the whole area superbly to life * Sunday Times *Atmospheric and movingly written...rich and haunting * Spectator *In The Way to the Sea, the Thames - from its indistinct origins in a muddy Gloucestershire field, all the way east to the Nore sandbank in the estuary - runs through a lush landscape of personal memories of family sailing trips and Oxonian dunkings, of histories of cities and suburbs that rose and fell on its banks, populated by poets and painters singing the Thames' 'sweet song'. A memorial to Joseph Bazalgette, architect of the Thames' central London embankments, claimed he had 'put the river in chains', but in this tender, often startling, blend of memoir, nature-writing and social and cultural history, Caroline Crampton reveals instead how the river shapes us -- Rachel HewittThis is a remarkable, superbly researched book, and I was swept along by it from source to mouth. The Thames Estuary has found its chronicler, a young writer who opens a reader's eyes to its mystery, moodiness and downbeat beauty -- Christopher SomervilleCaroline Crampton's The Way to the Sea is a re-enchantment of the overlooked, everyday world of the Thames Estuary. A love letter to a place too changeable to define, this seductive journey is both beautifully written and highly recommended -- John HiggsA fascinating, brilliant book that carries you downstream on its quick-flowing current' -- Cal FlynnFascinating * Bookseller *Lyrically written... this book was a treat * Practical Boat Owner *A beautiful book * Five Books *Deeply literary and well researched... A thoughtful, beautifully-written appreciation * Yachting Monthly *[A] lyrical meditation on the meaning of the Thames...you won't find a more elegantly written guide * Literary Review *[A] wonderful account... [Crampton] writes with the quiet confidence and terminology of someone who has spent plenty of time aboard... captivating * I Paper *What makes [Crampton] a remarkable guide to the story of the Thames is that she sees it in an unexpected way. Instinctively, she writes of the river not from the shore, but from the water. She knows it, and loves it, from the inside * In the Moment *Fascinating . . . Ms Crampton's account of her lifelong relationship with this storied waterway is as elegant and sinuous as the river she loves * Economist *A consistently interesting and lyrical narrative, which seamlessly weaves historical anecdote, personal memoir and gentle warnings about the frailty of the environment into an enjoyable whole * Mail on Sunday *Engaging . . . A rich, resonant history * Sunday Express *Engaging, well researched and beautifully written * William Morris Society Journal *

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Book SynopsisSaltmarshes are often remote, inhospitable places, neither land nor sea, as hard to pin down as they are to navigate. In this saline odyssey, Clive Chatters has explored his favourite creeks, pools and mudflats to bring us an absorbing celebration of the ecology, biology, geology and history of this scarce and mysterious habitat. There are Tadpole Shrimps, and rare sedges, waders and Wild Celery even inland saltmarshes in this tour de force by a superb naturalist and writer. BRETT WESTWOOD, naturalist, author and radio presenter Saltmarshes are among Britain''s most diverse and dynamic landscapes. They abound around our shores but may also be found inland and at altitude wherever water, salt and vegetation combine. The species they support range from extreme rarities of specialised habitats to the less demanding denizens of coastal wetlands. Here is a landscape of international importance for migratory birds, endemic plants and an exceptional Trade ReviewA detailed and wide-ranging look at the natural history and diversity of one of Britain's most ecologically important landscapes. -- Mark Whitley * The Countryman *A remarkable book ... Chatters writes with authority and eloquence on an enormous range of topics and draws from an impressive range of sources. -- Ros Bennett * British Wildlife *Clive Chatters has maintained the standard in this excellent new book which deals with an often remote and slightly inhospitable habitat that attracts wildlife in droves. As the series names suggests, the focus is strongly on British examples but the author roams the country widely and brings the marshes he visits vividly to life. Splendid stuff. -- Alan Crowden * BES Bulletin *The stories Clive Chatters tells are based on decades of first-hand experience and extensive research, and he is to be congratulated on a superb read ... hard to put down. -- Tim Rich * BSBI News *Well researched and well-illustrated throughout ... contains a wealth of information about its subject matter, focusing on the wildlife, history, development and past and future conservation of this marginal coastal habitat. -- Ian Woodward * BTO *Table of ContentsPreface 1. Introduction 2. Far from the shore 3. On the wind 4. In the Highlands 5. Atlantic gateway 6. The merse of the Solway Firth 7. Bae Ceredigion 8. Genesis of the Humber 9. Seawalls and the Severn 10. Capital marsh country 11. The legacy of the Solent's artwork 12. Southampton's Spartinas 13. Conservation before conservationists 14. The advent of nature conservation 15. Modest proposals 16. The rise of regulation 17. International perspectives 18. Invasive and non-native species 19. Conservation in practice 20. Rejuvenation 21. Time and tide Appendix A: A provisional inventory of inland saltmarshes in Britain Appendix B: Special Areas of Conservation in Britain supporting saltmarsh habitats References and further reading Species names Illustration credits Index

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Book SynopsisA charmingly illustrated nature guide to Ocean Beach and the coastal ecology of San Francisco.Grab your beach blanket and your puffy jacket (this is San Francisco, after all) and get ready to see Ocean Beach like never before. Longtime local surfer and scientist Eddy Rubin celebrates this magical sandy stretch through stories of its animals and plants and the natural and human forces that have shaped this coastal environment. From sand dollars and seaweed to the snowy plovers in the dunes, and stretching out to the seals and whales offshore, Rubin profiles twenty-nine local flora and fauna with wonder and curiosity. To explain the why and how, he also teaches readers about the weather and geological forces that have created this unique sandy ecology. Lifetime lovers of Ocean Beach and new neighbors alike will delight in Rubin''s guide, brought vividly to life by more than forty full-color artworks by illustrator Greg Wright. With this guide, Rubin invites readers to explore the place where ocean and land meet, to learn from surfers and fishermen about what''s out in the waves, and to protect this shared expanse of sandy shoreline.

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Book SynopsisIf you are keen to explore the six thousand miles of coastline that Scotland has to offer, then this is the perfect guide for you. Complete with maps and illustrations and covering walks ranging from gentle strolls, family friendly outings and full-scale hikes, this is the perfect handbook for any Scottish adventure!'An invaluable accessory to the boots and the backpack' -- Daily Record'This selection of day trips, including maps and useful information, is a welcome sight' -- Scottish Field'Superb book with some great walks in it - ideal for new and old hikers alike' -- ***** Reader review'Excellent and very informative' -- ***** Reader review'Brilliant - very impressed, nicely laid out and nice maps too' -- ***** Reader review**************************************************************************************Scotland and its islands encompass more than 10,000 miles of breath-taking coastline. The 100 routes outlined by Andrew Dempster in this essential guide take in the quaint fishing ports, long sun-bleached strands and vast golf links of the east coast; the grand Gothic cliffs, natural arches and storm-tossed sea-stacks that comprise much of the fractured edge of the Atlantic; the kaleidoscopic wildflower carpet of the Western Isles machair; the romantic castles and Clearance settlements of Skye; and myriad idyllic secluded beaches and awe-inspiring clifftop vantage points.This unique guide covers the whole spectrum, from short hour-long beach strolls to serious full-day hikes that require mountain gear and total commitment.Compiled in a user-friendly format, containing maps and illustrations throughout, 100 Classic Coastal Walks in Scotland provides a wealth of walking possibilities for anyone with an interest in outdoor pursuits, with many of the walks also suitable for children.Book that staycation now!Trade ReviewAn invaluable accessory to the boots and the backpack * Daily Record *This selection of day trips, including maps and useful information such as pubs to visit along the way, is a welcome sight * Scotish Field *A zealous guide to this impressive spread of coastal walks * Walk *A very special guide for those interested in the outdoors * Scotland Magazine *

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Book SynopsisA beautifully illustrated and informative anthology of coastal wildlife throughout the year.They say that no one in the British Isles lives more than an hour or two from the coast, a coastline of contrasts with scenery that changes from estuaries, shingle beaches, saltmarshes and sand dunes, to rocky shores, rugged cliffs, machair and bustling harbours.Our shores are teeming with wildlife, be it in the water, on the tideline, clinging to cliffs or in the skies above them, and this beautiful book you can learn more about familiar and favourite coastal species and some intriguing lesser-known marine creatures.Season by season, Celia Lewis''s wonderful illustrations show the flowers, birds, animals, fish and insects found at that time of year. Her craft projects, using driftwood, pebbles and shells, are suitable for all ages and will encourage you to put beachcombed mementos to surprising uses. Or get creative with food and work some foraged ingredients iTrade ReviewThe book is a veritable symphony of the sea. -- Lucy Jones * BBC Wildlife *Artist Celia Lewis's tone is fresh and breezy, but beneath the low-key charm lies a trove of riches and reminders about the UK coast. -- Lucy Jones * BBC Wildlife *Dotted throughout the book are celebrations of glorious British wildlife ... lovingly depicted in exquisite detail making them a joy to pore over. -- Lucy Jones * BBC Wildlife *Lewis captures the spectacular shades of the British coastline with a deft and colourful touch. * BBC Wildlife *This beautifully illustrated book will enhance any visit to the seaside. * Coast *Celia Lewis combines her own beautiful watercolours with informative text, showing how seasons change at the water's edge. Birds, animals, fish and insects - they are all here. * This England *This is an artistic look at life along the seashore. * Bird Watching *The seashore is uncovered season by season in this delightfully illustrated book ... the author's watercolours, linocuts and informative commentary highlight and identify what you might see or pick up during a walk along the tideline or a coastal path. * Choice *This is a visual delight of a book exploring the varied fauna and flora, from small to large, that can be found in the water and onshore around the British coast during the year ... It contains some beautiful watercolours of a wide variety of wildlife from otters and puffins, to porpoise and starfish. * Countryside *We all love spending time near the water's edge, so next time you feel like stretching your legs along a coastal path, fancy a day trip to the seaside or are planning balmy summer holidays, dip into An Illustrated Coastal Year and be inspired by the incredible diversity of wildlife to be found around our little archipelago. * Land Love magazine *A delightful book easy to dip in and out of, that both pleases the eye and educates at the same time. * The Landsman *Table of ContentsPreface Spring Summer Autumn Winter Useful websites Acknowledgements Index

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Book SynopsisThere is a lot more than just sand at theseaside. Come along on a trip to see what seaside creatures you can spot at the beach. The sky, sand, sea and rockpools are teeming with all sorts of life.

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Book SynopsisThere is a lot more than just sand at theseaside. Come along on a trip to see what seaside creatures you can spot at the beach. The sky, sand, sea and rockpools are teeming with all sorts of life.

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Book SynopsisEngland & Wales Island Bagging by Lisa Drewe is a stunning and informative guide to the islands of England, Wales, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. It is ideal for swimmers, kayakers, adventure travellers, wildlife spotters and ice cream connoisseurs.Go on an inspirational and fascinating coastline journey – familiar islands are visited, such as Lundy and the Isle of Wight; others are less well known, such as Gewni in Pembrokeshire and Coquet Island in Northumberland. Almost 300 islands are included, from larger, populated islands to remote, uninhabited islets – some can be reached by foot at low tide, others have ferry services, and some you will need your own transport, or be content to view them from the mainland.Once you’ve found your island this book introduces you to the best sites on the island to appreciate: hidden beaches and coves, the tastiest local food and the wildlife that can be seen in the locality. Watch the Cemlyn Bay terns on Anglesey, go paddleboarding around Mersea Island in Essex, walk in the footsteps of pilgrims on Lindisfarne in Northumberland, or enjoy ice cream from one of the smallest dairy herds in the country on St Agnes in the Isles of Scilly … it’s all there to be enjoyed in England & Wales Island Bagging.

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Book SynopsisThe Blue Cliff is focused on the more aquatic sea cliff exploits, i.e. those where you stand a serious chance of getting wet, and the sea is by necessity engaged with, not just a pleasant backdrop to the action. So, it's mostly about sea-level traversing, sea stacks and, above all, deep water soloing. This book takes you on a clockwise circumnavigation of the British coastline, starting from the chalk of the White Cliffs of Dover. Along the way, the book deals with some particular questions: Did Aleister Crowley invent sea-cliff climbing, and was he the best climber in the world in the 19th century? Did the St Kildan natives really evolve prehensile feet? What is the truth about the famous story of commandos watching Menlove Edwards deep water soloing and then drowning while trying to emulate him? The chapters are structured by area. Most of the essays and images are previously unpublished but some have appeared before in books, magazines, or journals.

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Book SynopsisScotland is renowned for its dramatic, fierce landscapes, but many people don’t realise that some of the country’s most exhilarating scenery rests on its coastline. The Beaches of Scotland by Stacey McGowan Holloway is a guide to over 150 hand-picked beaches around Scotland’s coast, stretching from the mainland to the Outer Hebrides before sweeping north to Orkney and Shetland. These beaches offer something for everyone, from gentle sands which feel almost tropical to rugged coves which can only be accessed by kayak. The selected beaches have not been chosen for purely aesthetic reasons: these locations offer some amazing opportunities for adventure. From surfing to snorkelling, kayaking, camping and cold-water swimming, this book travels from Kilmory Beach, with its views over the Paps of Jura, along single-track roads to Singing Sands on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. It takes you from Portabello on the edge of Edinburgh’s bustling streets to Kervaig Beach in the far north-west, where the lucky visitor may spot seals or puffins. Experience Scotland at its wildest and most stunning at Achnahaird Bay, bask in the otherworldly sense that these remote beaches can inspire at Balnakeil, gaze in awe at the scenery you can’t quite believe is real on Berneray’s West Beach, or blow the cobwebs away as you wander along the sand of Dornoch in the far north-east. Whether you’re after a thrilling day getting salt in your hair or a peaceful escape from responsibilities and worries, Scotland’s coast has it all. Featuring information on the facilities, access and activities that can be enjoyed at each beach, as well as custom mapping and stunning photography, The Beaches of Scotland is the perfect companion to your exploration of Scotland’s stunning coastline.

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Book SynopsisWhen all her islands are taken into consideration, the British coastline spans almost 8,000 miles, which is longer than both Brazil's and Mexico's. From the clear blue waters of serene Cornish bays to the tempestuous seas around rugged Pembrokeshire headlands, this new book journeys around the varied shorelines of England and Wales to complete the most comprehensive survey ever taken. Stuart Fisher, bestselling author of the similarly comprehensive Canals of Britain, visits all the places of interest along the entire coastline of England and Wales: from remote countryside to modern cities, exploring history and heritage, striking architecture and dramatic engineering, wildlife, wonderful flora and fauna, art and literature. His journey takes him from industrial hubs to small villages and fishing communities, providing a keen insight into what makes each stretch of Britain's shoreline unique and special. Evocative and often dramatic colour photographs help capture the great variet

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Book SynopsisWas there ever such a beast as the monstrous Kraken? Did a Welsh prince discover America, centuries before Columbus? What happened to the missing crew of the Mary Celeste? This title deals with these questions.Trade ReviewThis is a brilliant scholarly, yet readable work by two of the country's leading folklorists; it should appeal to anyone interested in the legends of the British Isles. * Good Book Guide *a work that entertains and intrigues from the first page to the last; not to be flicked through, but to be steadily digested and enjoyed. * Evergreen Magazine *

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Book SynopsisExam board: AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC/EduqasLevel: A-levelSubject: GeographyFirst teaching: September 2016First exams: Summer 2017 (AS); Summer 2018 (A-level)Master the in-depth knowledge and higher-level skills that A-level Geography students need to succeed; this focused topic book extends learning far beyond your course textbooks.Blending detailed content and case studies with questions, exemplars and guidance, this book:- Significantly improves students' knowledge and understanding of A-level content and concepts, providing more coverage of Coastal Landscapes than your existing resources- Strengthens students' analytical and interpretative skills through questions that involve a range of geographical data sources, with guidance on how to approach each task- Demonstrates how to evaluate issues, with a dedicated section in every chapter that shows how to think geographically, consider relevant evidence and structure a balanced essay- Equips students with everything they need to excel, from additional case studies and definitions of key terminology, to suggestions for further research and fieldwork ideas for the Independent Investigation- Helps students check, apply and consolidate their learning, using end-of-chapter refresher questions and discussion points, plus tailored advice for the AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC/Eduqas specifications- Offers trusted and reliable content, written by a team of highly experienced senior examiners and reviewed by academics with unparalleled knowledge of the latest geographical theories

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Book Synopsis"...a fascinating barometer of the state of the nation right now, in the wake of austerity, Brexit and Covid." - Travis Elborough England's seaside is made up of a striking variety of coastlines including cliffs, coves, pebbled shore, wide sandy beaches, salt marshes, and estuaries cutting deep inland. On these coastal edges England's great holiday resorts grew up, developed in the early eighteenth century originally as spas for medicinal bathing but soon morphing into places of pleasure, entertainment, fantasy and adventure. Acclaimed writer Madeleine Bunting journeyed clockwise around England from Scarborough to Blackpool to understand the enduring appeal of seaside towns, and what has happened to the golden sands, cold seas and donkey rides of childhood memory. Taking in some forty resorts, staying in hotels, caravans and holiday camps, she swims from their beaches and talks to their residents to delve into their landscapes, histories and contemporary plight.Trade ReviewA brilliant new book... It is a travelogue, an impressive work of social history, an affectionate celebration and much more besides. But a grim English irony burns through almost every page -- John Harris * Guardian *A poignant picture of life on the edge of England -- Ysenda Maxtone Graham * Spectator *Eloquent and detailed... Britain's island story has never seemed so pertinent * Financial Times *[A] remarkable book, as bracing as a smack in the face by a stiff sea breeze, Madeleine Bunting tours the English coastline to discover what it reveals about the state of the nation today * Guardian *This superb tour of the English coastline is compelling, sometimes exhilarating but also profoundly sad... Bunting's wonderful travelogue offers us a powerful - and deeply dispiriting - microcosm of the whole nation * Observer *This was an epic journey... An ambitious, thorough and hugely readable investigation of this country's coastal fun-palaces * Mail on Sunday *Beautifully written... Our intrepid author, it has to be said, embraces the Spartan version of the seaside... Her trip brings out her lyrical powers and salt-and-vinegar sharpness * Literary Review *[The Seaside] is stuffed with statistics, scraps of conversation, longer interviews, literary allusion and potted history... Bunting is an engagingly dogged guide * TLS *Bracing * Strong Words *A fond exploration of our often conflicted relationship with the British beach resort. Its love for the institution is apparent and tender, but, rather like the country itself, Bunting also finds these locations to be divided and somewhat adrift. Her book makes for a fascinating barometer of the state of the nation right now, in the wake of austerity, Brexit and Covid -- Travis ElboroughI enjoyed this very much. We all have happy seaside memories , and even though Bunting, too, finds the reason for our resorts' decline in in the fact that they were beaten to the sunburned pound and Kiss Me Quick Hat by the Costa This or That, I'd very much like her to be taken at her word and employed to revive their fortunes. Gauleiter Bunting has an authentic whiff of whelk about it' -- Jeremy Paxman[Bunting] reminds the reader of what it is like to be beside, or in, the sea * Country Life *

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Book SynopsisFew people have had the privilege of living on an isolated nature reserve of international importance, their every move judged by countless critics. Young ranger Ajay Tegala, embarking on his placement at Blakeney Point aged just nineteen, would have to stand firm in the face of many challenges to protect the wildlife of one of Britain’s prime nature sites.In over 120 years, only a select few rangers have devoted their heart and soul to the wildlife of Norfolk’s Blakeney Point. Watching and learning from his predecessors, Ajay faced head-on the challenges of the elements, predators and an ever-interested public. From the excitement of monitoring the growing grey seal population, to the struggles of trying to safeguard nesting birds from a plethora of threats, in The Unique Life of a Ranger, Ajay shares the many emotions of life on the edge of land and sea with honesty and affection.Trade Review“This is Ajay’s first book and contains fifty illustrations of beautiful scenery as well as insight into life “behind the scenes” of the first coastal nature reserve in the National Trust’s care…” * Suffolk Norfolk Life *

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Book SynopsisA stunning glimpse of some of Britain's finest coastline, from the granite columns of the Giant's Causeway on the Northern Irish coast and the rocky cliffs of Wales and South West England to the great open horizons of the East Anglian shore. A stunning glimpse of some of Britain's finest coastline, from the granite columns of the Giant's Causeway on the Northern Irish coast and the rocky cliffs of Wales and South West England to the great open horizons of the East Anglian shore. However, this is not just a celebration of Britain's beauty, but an investigation into the preservation and maintenance of the UK's coastline. The Trust owns a remarkable amount of coastline, looking after it not only as a landlord and at times a harbourmaster, but caring for natural habitats, archaeological sites and historic buildings. Here is a chance to view some of the most unforgettable images of, and discover less-known truths about, our extraordinary coastline.

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Book SynopsisThis handbook is an inspirational resource to help you discover the thousands of miles of Scotland's spectacular coastline - from its stunning geology and diverse marine and bird life to its coastal history, culture and landmarks. Fishing ports, arts communities, clifftop castles, island hideaways, local legends: all have their place here. With contributions from leading nature writer Jim Crumley, geologist Ronald Turnbull, historian Michael Kerrigan and sailor/poet Ian Stephen - a contemporary bard for our islands - Fi Martynoga adds her own expertise in foraging for seaweeds, shellfish and coastal plants, and exploring the rich flora of our shorelines, from dune grasses to wildflowers. Whether you yearn to watch the sunset or swim from achingly beautiful coves, discover quirky highlights of island life or hints of a prehistoric past, or seek out otters or dolphins, this volume is your indispensable companion.Trade Review'A perfect primer … What makes the book so good is the breadth of material packed within it, combined with the depth of expertise of those sharing their knowledge … Scotland's coasts are an integral part of what makes this, in many people's eyes, the best small country in the world. This book will help you gain more from the experience of visiting and exploring them.' Undiscovered Scotland; 'An essential guide to discovering more about the communities, wildlife and landmarks along the coastline.' Scots MagazineTable of ContentsIntroduction; Our coastline: who owns the land?; Ronald Turnbull: The geology of our seashore; Scotland’s Central Lowlands: the coal hole; Raised beaches; Old Man, old sand; Ocean-bottom sludge; The Highlands: schist with a twist; Roderick Impey Murchison gets it wrong; A gneiss wee walk; A raised beach at Whalsay; Jim Crumley: Coastal Wildlife; Otters; A big fish; Cetaceans; Seals; Seabirds; Coastal plants; Beach, dune and coastal woods; Dunes; Beaches; Coastal woods; Machair; Cliffs and rocky shores; Estuary and saltmarsh; List of plants; Coastal Bounty; Before you start; Shellfish; Fish; Seaweed; Edible seaside plants; List of seaweed & edible plants; Foraging for other treasures; Beachcombing; Rock pools; Michael Kerrigan: Coastal culture; Mystic places; Boundary or bridge; Coastal castles; Tradition… interrupted; Net product; Whaling' Seals and selkies; Commerce and culture; A puff for the Puffer; Lost at sea; Lighting the way; Cultural fabric; The crockery coast; Artists’ colonies; Beside the seaside; Music festivals; From relaxation to renewal; Coastal costs; Scotland’s islands; The inner lands: Isle of Mull; Coll and Tiree; Muck, Rum, Eigg and Canna; Skye; The Outer Lands: Outer Hebrides; Orkney; Shetland; Island Jaunts: Inchcolm; The Isle of May; Ailsa Craig; Raasay; Bute; Arran; Great Days out; Eyemouth; North Berwick; East Neuk; St Andrews; Stonehaven; Findhorn; The Black Isle; Golspie and the East Coast of Sutherland and Caithness; Thurso; Bettyhill, Tongue and Durness; Lochinver; Ullapool; Gairloch, Poolewe and Area; Applecross; Plockton; Arisaig; Salen, Strontian and Sunart; Ardfern; Campbeltown, Carradale and the Kintyre Peninsula; Aye; Portpatrick; Wigtown and the Machars; Kirkcudbright; Sporting Days Out: Cycling; Wild swimming; Coastal rowing; Sea kayaking; Surfing; About the Contributors; Acknowledgements; Further Reading and Species Identification; Index

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Book SynopsisFour seasons of immersion in New England’s Great Marsh“Like Wendell Berry and Rachel Carson, Hanlon is a true poet-ecologist, sharing in exquisitely resonant prose her patient observations of nature’s most intimate details. As she and her husband, through summer and snow, swim their local creeks and estuaries, we marvel at the timeless yet fragile terrain of both marshlands and marriage. This is the book to awaken all of us, right now, to how our coastline is changing and what it means for our future.” —Julia Glass, author of Three Junes and A House Among the TreesThe Great Marsh is the largest continuous stretch of salt marsh in New England, extending from Cape Ann to New Hampshire. Patricia Hanlon and her husband built their home and raised their children alongside it. But it is not until the children are grown that they begin to swim the tidal estuary daily. Immersing herself, she experiences, with all her senses in all seasons, the vigor of a place where the two ecosystems of fresh and salt water mix, merge, and create new life.In Swimming to the Top of the Tide, Hanlon lyrically charts her explorations, at once intimate and scientific. Noting the disruptions caused by human intervention, she bears witness to the vitality of the watersheds, their essential role in the natural world, and the responsibility of those who love them to contribute to their sustainability.Patricia Hanlon is a visual artist who paints the beautiful ecosystem of New England’s Great Marsh and is involved in the watershed organizations of Greater Boston. Swimming to the Top of the Tide is her first book.Trade Review“Part how-to guide, part nature journal, part ecological call to action, this book inspires the reader to take a closer look at the everyday cycles in their own backyards.” —Tree Abraham, Electric Literature“Delightful. . . . Hanlon offers an alternative vision to environmental preservation that emphasizes communal responsibility over the pervasive doom and gloom of climate activism.” —Cleaver Magazine“In her charming debut . . . [Hanlon] turns the quotidian details of marriage and family life into a lyrical investigation of ‘something bigger and more complex than oneself.’ . . . Merging leisurely seaside adventure with ecological sensibilities, Hanlon delivers a lyrical ode to a changing environment.” —Publishers Weekly“Graceful in its descriptive power. . . . Hanlon understands how our moral imagination exerts a profound influence on our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. . . . [Her] observations are as gently propulsive as the rhythmic stroke of a swim fin.” —Kirkus Reviews“[Hanlon] is as skilled at demystifying complex scientific concepts as she is in portraying gold-spangled waterline sunsets and muted winter compositions of marsh grasses. The whole is enriched with personal reflections on raising a family, aging, and the changing nature of marriage.” —Foreword Reviews“Written with a swimmer’s spirit, a naturalist’s eye, and an ecologist’s heart, this book took me to places I have never been. I loved it!” —Lynne Cox, author of Swimming to Antarctica: Tales of a Long-Distance Swimmer and Swimming in the Sink: An Episode of the Heart“Hanlon’s narrative—spare and serene—flows to the rhythms of rising and falling water. Her account, rooted in the particular—nose level in a saltwater creek under the cerulean skies of an idyllic summer, or in icy slush on a dark winter night—is a timely call to consider the tragedies and possibilities of our moment.” —Deborah Cramer, author of Smithsonian Ocean: Our Water, Our World and The Narrow Edge: A Tiny Bird, an Ancient Crab, and an Epic Journey“Like Wendell Berry and Rachel Carson, Hanlon is a true poet-ecologist, sharing in exquisitely resonant prose her patient observations of nature’s most intimate details. As she and her husband, through summer and snow, swim their local creeks and estuaries, we marvel at the timeless yet fragile terrain of both marshlands and marriage. This is the book to awaken all of us, right now, to how our coastline is changing and what it means for our future.” —Julia Glass, author of Three Junes and A House Among the Trees“There is nothing quite so wonderful as slipping into a creek and letting it carry you upstream until the tide imperceptibly turns and carries you back out toward the ocean. It is doubly wonderful to discover someone who describes this experience with such love, lyricism, and scientific curiosity. Let Hanlon be your guide to this world.” —William Sargent, author of The House on Ipswich Marsh and Plum Island: 4,000 Years on a Barrier Beach“Hanlon, in a year of swimming her way through marshes, across tidal rivers and sculpted granite quarries unique to Cape Ann, observes with a remarkably steady gaze all the world has to offer—the beauty and losses both. In clear, spare prose and fine-tuned observation, she takes you on a journey you won’t soon forget.” —Tim Traver, author of Sippewissett: Or, Life on a Salt Marsh and Fly Fishing and Conservation in Vermont

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Book SynopsisCoastlines, like many things around us, are constantly evolving. Keeping pace with the changes and their development is necessary to ensure their stability and to maintain eco-equilibrium for nearshore hydrodynamics and morphodynamics. Supported with field measurements for model validation, several numerical and analytical tools are available to us to understand the physical processes in the vicinity of these water bodies.This book encompasses the engineering principles involved in field data observation, measurement, collection, and processing; the prediction of wave climate and sediment transport using measured field data; numerical modelling involving calibration and validation of the hydrodynamic and morphodynamic processes; and the study of the underlying physical processes and the application of sustainable engineering measures to combat coast- and estuary-related problems.The book has three sections: The first section is an elaboration on the need for and framework of the existing management and engineering notions. The second section details the measurement of the various parameters such as wave climate (offshore and nearshore), shoreline changes, beach profile variation, and sediment transport rates. The third section describes the aspects of wave prediction to arrive at design characteristics and modelling of the hydrodynamic and morphodynamic processes along open coasts and tidal inlets.This book is designed to benefit students pursuing coastal engineering as their field of specialization. It could also serve as a guidebook to engineers, planners, and decision makers working in the fields of coastal, estuarine, and harbour engineering, governmental and private agencies that plan the financial outlay for coastal development projects, and private consultants dealing with maritime hydraulics.

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Book Synopsis A beautifully presented, practical gift guide for all surf seekers. Explained with fascinating, easy-to-understand commentary from surfer and scientist Easkey Britton, this guide helps you soak up maximum vitamin sea. The book is divided into six main sections – each filled with exercises, ideas and fun facts to help you reconnect with your oceanic roots and create special moments by the sea… Reading the Sea – watch waves, move with the tides, understand rips and currents, getting to know the sea and your limits.What the Sea Does for Us – appreciate the food, feel-good factors, and even medicines that the sea has to offer. Plus learn about its fundamental role in climate control.We are Ocean – explore the multi-sensory environment the sea has to offer.The Power of the Sea to Heal – from seaweed and ocean plasma to social change and ocean therapy.The Sea is Calling – try your hand at beach combing, wave play, rockpooling, bird watching, searching for jellyfish and bioluminescence and swimming in the sea.Things to Do for the Sea – with guides to beach clean-ups, sustainable foraging, restoring coastal habitats and inclusion and diversity ideas to make the sea accessible to all, you’ll have everything you need to be the hero our seas need. Taking an inclusive global outlook on the subject, and complemented by Maria Nilsson’s captivating drawings, this timely book will show you the benefits of doing things by and for the sea – and how those benefits can spill over into your daily life.Trade Review‘If you have been unable to visit the coast during the last year due to the pandemic, this lovely book is a small step towards soothing your seaside cravings’ -- Country Life‘There’s something for everyone in this exploration of the sea’ -- Devon Life

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Book SynopsisRay Hollands has walked the north and south Devon coastlines to capture their unique atmosphere through his eye-catching photography. Set alongside these stunning images are informative captions giving historical background to the places he features, from the bracing and dramatic surfers'' beaches of the north coast to the elegant holiday resorts of the English Riviera in the south. The contrasting beauty of these two very different coastlines is shown to great effect here and Along Devon''s Coast is sure to capture the imagination of anyone who knows and loves the county.

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Book SynopsisUsing a wealth of previously unpublished postcards and photographs, Peter Treloar takes the reader on a fascinating journey around the Cornish coast of yesteryear. Whilst the scenery, which is well covered, has remained the same, the people, forms of transport, town centres and fashions have changed. This unique collection depicts many of those dramatic changes that have taken place during the past century. From Morwenstown in the north to Torpoint in the south, this Cornish tour traces the history of the coastal towns it encompasses, the evolution of the fishing and shipping industries and that of the railways which put these beautiful towns on the tourist route. This book will appeal to maritime enthusiasts and all those who wish to know more about the history of the coastal settlements. It is sure to evoke nostalgic memories for those who remember Cornwall over many years, whilst giving insight into the past for those visiting the area.

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Book SynopsisA self-contained introduction to tides that will be useful as a textbook for courses on tides in oceans and coastal seas at an advanced undergraduate and postgraduate level, and will also serve as the go-to book for researchers and coastal engineers needing information about tides.Table of ContentsAcknowledgment; 1. Introductory concepts; 2. Tidal forcing; 3. Celestial motions; 4. Tidal constituents and the harmonic method; 5. Tidal wave propagation; 6. Tides in coastal seas and basins; 7. Internal tides.

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Book SynopsisThe Pacific coast is the most iconic region of California and one of the most fascinating and rapidly changing places in the world. Densely populated, urbanized, and industrializedand also home to complex, fragile ecosystemsthe coast is the place where humanity and nature coexist in a precarious balance that is never perfectly stable. This is a dramatic snapshot of the California coasts past, present, and probable future in a time of climate change and expanding human activity. Written by two marine experts who grew up on the coast, The Edge is both an appreciation of the coasts natural and cultural uniqueness and a warning of the changes that threaten that uniqueness. As ocean levels rise, coastal communities are starting to erode, and entire neighborhoods have been lost to the sea. Coastal ecosystems and wildlife that were already stressed by human settlement now face new dangers. Fisheries, oil drilling, recreation, housing and environmental advocates compete to define the future of the region. A masterful and sweeping synthesis of environmental and social science, The Edge presents a comprehensive portrait of the history, people, communities, industries, ecology, and wildlife of the coast.

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Book SynopsisCoastal zones have always been chosen by humans as a good place to live. Over the last forty years, human pressure has caused a strong variation of land use and wild areas have been consumed by agriculture, roads and settlements. The main causes of ecosystem loss are the coastal erosion, and the sprawl of infrastructures and economic sites. This book discusses several topics, some of which include the coral reef environment; the land cover change as a tool to support the preservation of naturalness at the Sele coastal plain in Italy; principles of dredging eco-monitoring in the Eastern Gulf of Finland; and others.

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Book SynopsisPublic attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs can strongly influence coastal management decision-making. Officials use surveys and other social science tools to identify the relationship between a community and its natural resources. Managing coastal resources often means making hard decisions about the best way to use those resources-especially when there are competing demands. Although there is no simple way to do this, economic methods can help coastal resource managers make better-informed decisions about managing the resource. This book provides insight into the various types and methods of survey research; discusses some of the most important considerations; offers a guide to the most common techniques; provides information about how economics can be applied to coastal resource management; provides some simple strategies for facilitators leading a participatory mapping process; introduces key elements and practices that will increase the success of a focus group effort; explains the role of a facilitator; describes how to plan and execute meetings that deliver results; discusses powerful photorealistic visualization; introduces key concepts surrounding visualization; and briefly describes a process for planning for an internally or externally conducted evaluation of a project or program.

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Book SynopsisCoastal areas across the United States are beginning to incorporate sea level rise adaptation into their community planning. One of the most challenging aspects of adapting to sea level rise is understanding the economic implications of future inundation risk, and the costs and benefits of different adaptation options. Communities are already grappling with difficult decisions about how to locate, maintain, and protect expensive community infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, and wastewater treatment plants. This book provides a framework that community leaders and planners can use to make more economically informed decisions about adapting to sea level rise and storm flooding. The four-step framework can be used to perform a holistic assessment of costs and benefits of different adaptation approaches across a community, or to focus in on select infrastructure. The book also discusses the expertise needed at each step in the process.

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Book SynopsisStunning photography and personal reflections abound in this beautiful collection of images highlighting this unique landscape.Converging Waters explores an area on the northern coast of Vancouver Island on the edge of the Broughton Archipelago: Queen Charlotte Strait, Broughton Strait, Cormorant Channel, Blackfish Sound. This part of the Namgis First Nation territory is characterized by tree-covered islands, pebble beaches, foggy mornings, rocky islets, orcas, eagles, and an ever-changing light. Boats are at least as important as trucks for the few who live here. The sea and sky dominate the land, and marine mammals and fish seem to overshadow the human residents.Daniel Hillert's inspiring photographs focus on the wild essence that still permeates these converging waters, while Gwen Curry's prose dives beneath the surface to appreciate not only the natural wonder of this place but its history, people, and present-day challenges.

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Book Synopsis“A remarkable and magical place enriched and enlivened by Kevin’s tenderness, sensitivity, and skill.” — Deborah Carr, author of Sanctuary: The Story of Naturalist Mary Majka. Every year, thousands of visitors from around the world descend the staircase at Hopewell Rocks to walk on the ocean floor. Many of those visitors have been greeted by author and photographer Kevin Snair, who spent years working as an Interpretive Guide for the Hopewell Rocks Park. Bay of Fundy’s Hopewell Rocks combines Snair’s luminous descriptions of tidal action and geology with his stunning photography to capture the breathtaking experience of New Brunswick’s famous natural wonder. Now revised and updated from the original 2016 edition and full of intriguing tidbits on the human and natural history of the Rocks, Bay of Fundy’s Hopewell Rocks offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes tour of this striking and fascinating place.

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