Measuring some 12,000 miles – not counting its myriad of offshore islands – the coast comprises the most varied, vulnerable and most fascinating places in Britain and Ireland. Contained here are its many highlights, from sea caves to sea otters, from tides to treasure, and from to puffins to pillboxes. But as rising sea levels eat relentlessly at its boundaries our coast is changing ever faster, revealing new stories of our islands’ past whilst bringing into focus its most precious assets that demand protection.

Brief, accessible and entertaining pieces on a wide variety of subjects makes it the perfect book to dip into. The Amazing and Extraordinary Facts series presents interesting, surprising and little-known facts and stories about a wide range of topics which are guaranteed to inform, absorb and entertain in equal measure.

Here you’ll find the answers to all these intriguing questions:

• Over 850,000 years ago early humans walked on a beach? Where were their footprints found?
• Where do minke whales return to the coast year after year?
• Which seaside grotto is decorated with more than 4.6 million shells?
• Where is the coast’s largest gannet colony?
• On which beach can you see the remains of a famous shipwreck at low tide?
• Did you know that sand dunes can sing – and where can you hear them?
• Where can you find a mermaid carved in a church – and why?

Ruth Binney has been studying the natural world for most of her life. She holds a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University and has been involved in countless publications during her career as an editor. She is the author of many successful natural history and gardening books including Weeds on Trial 9781910821275, Flower Garden Secrets 9781910821428, The English Countryside 9781910821459 and Coasts 9781910821398. She lives in Cardiff.