Seabirds, Seals and Rock Pools: Watching Wildlife on the Coast

The British coast is a wildlife theatre that never closes. Cliffs echo with the cries of seabirds, seals haul out on rocks and every rock pool is a small world. You do not need special equipment to enjoy it, but you do need patience, good timing and respect for the animals that live there.

Seabirds on the cliffs

Britain's coastline holds some of the most important seabird colonies in Europe. Spring and early summer are the busiest times, when birds gather to nest on cliff ledges, islands and grassy slopes.

Birds you might see include:

• Puffins, which nest in burrows on grassy cliff tops and islands and are usually only on land during the breeding season.
• Gannets, large white seabirds with black wingtips that plunge into the sea for fish.
• Guillemots and razorbills, black and white birds that crowd onto narrow ledges.
• Fulmars, which glide stiffly along the cliff face on straight wings.
• Gulls, from the familiar herring gull to smaller kittiwakes that nest on sheer cliffs.

A pair of binoculars brings the action closer without disturbing it. Stay behind any fences and keep well back from the cliff edge, a topic covered in our guide to walking the coast path safely.

Looking for seals

Grey seals and common seals both live around British shores. You may spot a rounded head bobbing in the water, watching you with large dark eyes, or find seals resting on rocks and sandbanks at low tide. Grey seals typically have their pups in autumn and early winter, while common seals tend to pup in summer, though timing varies by region.

If you see seals ashore:

1. Keep a good distance and use binoculars rather than approaching.
2. Never get between a seal and the sea.
3. Keep dogs on a lead and well away, as seals can bite and dogs can cause serious disturbance.
4. Stay quiet and move slowly. If seals lift their heads and stare or start to move, you are too close.
5. Do not touch pups, even if they appear to be alone, since the mother is often feeding nearby. If you are worried, contact a local marine animal rescue group.

Exploring rock pools

Rock pools reward slow looking. Visit at low tide, ideally on a falling tide, and check tide times so that you are not cut off. Wear shoes with a grip, since seaweed and wet rock are slippery.

What to look for:

• Limpets clamped to rocks
• Hermit crabs in borrowed shells
• Shore crabs scuttling for cover
• Anemones with soft tentacles that retract when touched
• Small fish such as blennies that dart between weed
• Winkles and top shells grazing on rock

Rock pool manners

Rock pool animals are delicate. Handle as little as possible and with wet hands. If you lift a stone to look underneath, gently put it back the way you found it, as the creatures underneath depend on that cover. Do not remove animals or shells, and avoid stepping on the pools. Take photographs instead.

Timing and preparation

Tide times, weather and season all affect what you see. Early morning is often quiet. Check local nature reserve websites or visitor centres for advice on when and where to see wildlife, and for any seasonal restrictions. Take layers, since sea winds can be cold even on sunny days. If you want tips on observing animals without disturbing them, our beginner's guide to spotting wildlife applies just as well on the coast.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to see puffins? In general, spring and early summer, when they are at their breeding colonies. They spend the rest of the year at sea.

What should I do if I find a seal pup on the beach? Keep your distance, keep dogs away and do not touch it. Contact a local marine rescue organisation for advice if the animal looks injured or has been there for a long time.

Can children explore rock pools safely? Yes, with supervision. Check the tide, wear sturdy shoes and stay close, since rocks are slippery and the tide can come in quickly.