The Great British Seaside Britain's beaches deserve to be treasured and so this series examines not only the rich biodiversity and history of our coastline but suggests ways in which we can help to protect it
The fossil finder: one man’s lifelong search for fragments of Britain’s Jurassic past – photo essay Richard Forrest has spent half a century combing beaches for ammonites and other fossils. Along the Dorset coast, the constant shift of earth, rocks and sand continually reveals fresh evidence of life millions of years ago
Come on in – the water’s full of sewage The irony of publicising a seaside supplement next to a headline about effluent in the sea was not lost on readers
From swimwear to toys: how to go plastic-free for a day at the beach Lycra, neoprene, polystyrene and other potential pollutants have become near-ubiquitous but there are alternatives – if you know where to look
Puffins, catsharks and sea squirts: how to spot wildlife on the British coast The 10,000 miles of coastline host a stunning variety of creatures, so put on a diving mask or just a pair of wellies and go on the hunt
‘Give nature space and it will come back’: rewilding returns endangered species to UK’s south coast Walking a 100-mile stretch of coastline reveals how a pioneering project is transforming the seascape, rivers and land
‘Otters pop up beside your kayak’: six coast fanatics reveal their favourite UK beaches We asked a naturalist, a writer, a champion surfer, a walker, a forager and a yoga teacher to tell us what makes the seaside so special
Served up from the sea: 13 of the best sustainable eateries on the British coast Looking for sustainable, ethical but above all delicious seafood? Here’s our pick of shacks, cafés and shops selling shellfish, seaweed and fish
From planting seagrass to spotting seals: how to help look after the UK’s coastline
Life under the pier: ‘It never occurred to me what might be here’
Punch and Judy, penny slots and Pontins: why the great British seaside continues to hold our imagination Rachel Cooke traces the long history of the UK’s resorts through nostalgia, deprivation and revival
