Coastwise

Coastwise treats the British coastline as one connected system and explains how its parts work together. Hundreds of photographs and illustrations accompany the text throughout.

The opening section looks at the natural forces that shaped the shore's landforms and continue to reshape them, drawing on ancient geology and the power of the sea. The book then turns to the coast's living communities, from plankton and seaweeds to drifting and bottom-dwelling animals, shellfish and crustaceans, predatory species, and seabirds. These organisms are shown in full colour, and the book describes how they depend on one another.

The third part examines how people have used the coast over time, from prehistory to the present, for defence, trade and recreation. The final section is a regional guide that identifies where the features discussed earlier can be seen and enjoyed around Britain. The book suits anyone who spends time on the British coast and would also make a good present for them.