Dead man's fingers
These gruesome sounding creatures are actually a type of coral! They get their name as they branch out into lobes as they grow - making them look like fingers on a hand.
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Devil’s fingers fungus
This smelly, strange looking fungus is also referred to as octopus stinkhorn or octopus fungus. Its eye-catching red tentacles splay out like a starfish.
Violet coral
The branching, finger-like projections of this fungus give it the appearance of an underwater coral. Its striking colour and form make it easy to spot, but it is scarce in the UK.
Cold-water coral
Did you know that there are coral reefs in the UK? UK seas are home to some amazing cold-water corals that form reefs on the seabed over 400m deep.
Dorset clam and cockle fishers surveying their catch
Dorset clam and cockle fishers have been welcoming independent surveys of their trips as part of their Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification.
Portuguese Man O'War
Despite appearances, this weird and wonderful creature is not a jellyfish! They're sometimes found washed up on our shores after westerly winds. Look but don't touch - they give a very…
Shanny
The shanny is a common sight in rockpools all around the UK. They are feisty little fish and have been known to bite when caught, so watch your fingers!
Species Recovery Programme Diaries: great crested newt
As winter strengthens its grip around Dorset, we keep our fingers crossed for more cold and dry days. Nature’s apathy for nest construction and reproduction opens a door of opportunity for the…
New website launched by conservationists & fishers about the benefits of Marine Protected Areas in Dorset
A new website about Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) has been launched this week to highlight the important marine wildlife of Dorset. It aims to explain the complex and confusing system of Marine…
Pink sea fan
Did you know we have colourful corals in UK seas? Pink sea fans are a type of horny coral - related to the sea fans found in the tropics. Don't be fooled by their name though, pink sea fans…
Kimmeridge's Snakelocks Anemone Bed
In the shallow waters of Kimmeridge Bay, not far from the seashore, lies an extraordinary wildlife habitat that few people ever see. It is made of short coral weed dotted with clusters of…
Blackcap
As the name suggests, the male blackcap has a black cap, while the female has a gingery one. Look for this distinctive warbler in woodland, parks and gardens.