A sunset behind several rockpools

Rockpooling

All around the UK coast, rockpools offer a fascinating insight into life beneath the waves.

    Peer closely into a low-tide pool and the secrets of the sea will be revealed. Ocean ambassador Inka Cresswell and marine expert Dr Ben Holt share some rock pooling tips on how to get started and the creatures you might find at your local rock pool.

    Meet the experts

    Inka Cresswell

    Inka Cresswell is a marine biologist with a passion for film, photography and travel. She loves all marine creatures - from slimy sea snails to great white sharks! Inka hopes her wildlife documentaries and vlogs will educate and inspire a new generation of conservationists

     

    Learn more about Inka
    Inka Cresswell smiles at the camera wearing a diving buoyancy floatation device (BCD).

    Inka Cresswell

    Dr Ben Holt

    Dr Ben Holt runs the Rock Pool Project, which helps people of all ages and backgrounds discover the incredible marine life around our beautiful coast. With a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Ben loves nothing better than poking around in rock pools and getting others involved in digital rock pool surveys, marine diversity safaris and even rock pool bingo.

    Find out more about the Rock Pool Project

    Dr Ben Holt  |  Image credit: Grace Hunt

    An introduction to rock pooling

    Join our presenters Inka Cresswell and Dr Ben Holt as they go rockpooling on the Falmouth coast. Discover what shoes to wear and how to pick up a crab.

    Safety tips and rockpooling essentials

    Find out the best time to go rockpooling and learn about the tides. Inka and Ben also have lots of good advice on how to stay safe and what to take with you.

    Rock pooling with kids

    Meet Sophie, Pat, Isla and Ellie as they find some fascinating sea creatures and learn how to identify them.

    Keep exploring more rock pools

    Explore your local rockpools and get involved with the Rock Pool Project. Help us to protect marine animals by picking up plastic and caring for our coasts.

    A map showing rock pooling sites throughout the UK can be found here. Thanks to the Capturing Our Coast project for supplying this data.

    Rockpooling top tips

    • Plan your visit for low tide when more rockpools will be exposed
    • Dress appropriately - be prepared for the British weather and remember rocks can be slippery and sharp so thick-soled footwear with good grips is recommended
    • Look for low-down pools close to the sea, which stay full of water for longest
    • Creep up on a rock pool quietly so you don't scare off the wildlife; try not cast a shadow over the water or you might be mistaken for a predator
    • Sit or crouch as still as you can and observe carefully what you can see both in the pool and on the surrounding rocks
    • Gently lower your bucket into the water, then study it closely to see what organisms are in it; a magnifying glass might help
    • Carefully turn over stones to see if there are creatures hiding underneath
    • Look your creatures up on an ID guide and record your findings in a notebook
    • Be careful not to harm any creatures or keep them out of the water for too long
    A close of someone holding a crab in one hand and small starfish in the other

    A close of someone holding a crab in one hand and small starfish in the other  |  Image credit: Billy Barraclough

    Rockpool inhabitants you might find

    Here are some of the most common creatures found around UK shores. Keep your eyes peeled for these fascinating species.

    Seashore Safari Guide

    A big thanks to the UWE MA Film Dept and students Leo Thom, Maia Sherwood, Felipe Rosa and Pedro Furtado for creating this film.

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