Beachcombing - Finding and identifying treasures along the shore

 

 

National marine week starts on the 24th July this year. Even though it is referred to as a week it actually runs for 15 days because that is how long it takes for the tides to complete a cycle. 

The oceans are full of life and much of it still undiscovered. There are many weird and wonderful creatures out there under the waves, in rock pools and buried in the sand.

 

 

 

There are lots of other interesting things to find on beaches too. Sandy, single or rocky it doesn't matter, they all have their own treasures. Beachcombing was first described in print in the 1840's. Often sailors would desert the dangers of the whaling ships or escape penal colonies and try to eke out a living on things found along the tide line of the South Pacific islands. These could then be traded, used or sold on. In Britain, beachcombers now are more likely to be doing it for fun or to find materials to use in crafting.

 

 

 

 

There seems to be far more interest in beachcombing over the last few months, especially as the weather has improved and we are all able to travel a little bit further. Maybe it is another effect of the pandemic which has shifted our lives in so many ways. Maybe it is something that has been becoming more popular for a while. Maybe it's simply that I've seen more people talking about it on social media lately.

 

 

More people on beaches looking at what is there has to be a good thing though, surely? More people becoming aware of the variety of flora and fauna on the shoreline and the diversity of Britains beaches. An increased sense of belonging to the oceans could have a huge impact on the conservation and protection of these valuable habitats and the creatures in them.

 

 

 

A lot of things that end up on beaches have been washed down storm drains or carried along with flooded rivers. Some things are lost or jettisoned at sea (including fishing equipment) and other things are left on the beach either intentionally or accidentally. If everyone visiting the beach took their own rubbish and a couple of extra bits with them when they left, it would make a huge difference. The picture below shows one of our favourite finds - an aerosol can which had completely rusted and had at some point become a home for barnacles.

Of the things that end up on beaches, seaglass is possibly one of the most popular things to collect. The action of waves and salt smooth and weather glass leaving them rounded and frosty. There are many different colours of glass with red being widely recognised as the most uncommon find. Writing or patterns can be found on some glass, sometimes it is possible to use this to trace the origins of a bottle or larger piece. Reinforced glass with wire inside can turn up in some places. It was used as safety glass until the early 2000's in industrial buildings such as MOD sites, schools and factories. The pictures below are of various glass finds.

 

 

 

 

Sometimes interesting things like marbles and bottle stoppers can be found. The marbles come from codd-neck bottles which used a small glass ball and a rubber bung to stop fizzy drinks from going flat. There are a lot of online resources to help identify finds including the Sea Glass Journal, Beachcombing magazine, Beachstuff UK and various facebook groups. 

Ceramics often end up on beaches from ships and other vessels. They also get rounded and smoothed by wave action but can have lovely designs and colours on them. Again the various resources and the internet can be useful if you want to try and track the logo or design of a bit you find. The picture below shows a small selection of colourful ceramic pieces.

Building remains, rubble and old bricks frequently turn up on beaches, especially in areas with an industrial heritage. Most often these come from buildings that stood on or near the beach then have been left to the mercy of the waves. Over time they can become completely rounded small pebbles.

There are many other things to be found on beaches. Be aware that taking natural materials such as pebbles/stones and sand from beaches is illegal in Great Britain under the Coastal Protection Act (1949). This is in place to protect areas from coastal erosion. In certain areas such as Chesil Beach in Dorset you will see large signs around the beaches warning people about the potential fines for breaking the law. Make sure whatever you pick up isn't harbouring any living creatures and try not to strip a beach clean of all the shells as they are used by some animals as camoflague or protection.

Finally, if you do find yourself bent over searching the beach for treasure, watch out for the tides, mud flats, quick sand and other dangers. If you don't know the beach, ask for local advice and watch out for warning signs. Getting in danger will put a definite crimp in your day.

Happy hunting.