Rocky Shore ID Guide

Going rockpooling? Our Rocky shore name trail ID guide is a favourite.

• Identification guide to rockpool animals, lichens and seaweeds
• Use the trail’s straightfoward yes/no questions to find out the names
• Practical for use outdoors: splashproof, lightweight, rucksack-sized

Most people (even cool ones) will admit to enjoying being on the seashore, wrestling with crabs and looking for limpets. There’s a huge number of living things squeezing into the narrow space between the tides. In fact, rockpools and rocky shores are among the wildest and most fascinating habitats in Britain and Ireland.

WildID Rocky shore name trail features colour paintings of the most common limpets, mussels, periwinkles, topshells, crabs and fishes you might see, plus seaweeds, lichens and sponges. You might also discover other exciting rockpool treasures, such as starfish, sea urchins, brittlestars, and sea squirts.

The dominant plant-like life on rocky shores is seaweed, which is actually a type of algae. Unlike true plants, seaweeds don’t have real roots, stems, or leaves. Instead, they have a holdfast, stipe, and frond that do a similar job. Like plants, they use sunlight to make sugars through photosynthesis. Seaweeds are grouped into three main types: brown, red, and green.

Learn how to spot creatures at low tide, explore safely, and protect these fragile habitats. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned beachcomber, this guide makes every trip to the coast an unforgettable treasure hunt. It’s perfect for family days out, coastal walks and anyone who loves the sea.