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Species

Edible sea urchin

This large round urchin is sometimes found in rockpools, recognisable by its pink spiky shell (known as a test).

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Sentinels of the Sea - Marine

WTSWW’s marine monitoring work gathers evidence for critical datasets, used to strengthen the resilience of Wales’ network of protected marine sites and the protection of the marine species found within these sites. Long-term, uninterrupted datasets are particularly important to assess broad population trends, filling knowledge gaps, and informing decisions about use of the marine environment.
Species

Violet sea slug

Despite its dazzling colouration, this fabulous nudibranch can be easily missed, due to its small size!

Species

Great spider crab

Despite its name, the great spider crab is actually smaller than the more common European spider crab.

Species

Long spined sea scorpion

Masters of disguise, this species exhibits one of the best examples of camouflage you will find on the seashore!

Species

Sea-holly

The spiky, silvery leaves of Sea-holly give this plants its common name. Look for its beautiful, thistle-like, blue blooms on coastlines and sand dunes in summer.

Species

Sea-buckthorn

Sea-buckthorn is a spiny, thicket-forming shrub of sand dunes. It's native to the east coast of England but considered an invasive species elsewhere. It is most obvious in autumn when it is…

Species

Lesser sea-spurrey

Traditionally a coastal species, Lesser sea-spurrey has spread inland, taking advantage of the winter-salting of our roads. Its pink-and-white flowers bloom in summer.

Species

Common sea-lavender

Common sea-lavender can be found around our coasts on mudflats, creek banks and saltmarshes. Despite its name, its not a lavender at all, so doesn’t smell like one.