Thrift (Armeria maritima) is a common sight on cliff tops, salt marshes and mountainsides throughout the British Isles. A small, compact plant, it forms clumps of narrow, single-veined leaves above a visible woody rootstock, producing a cushion-like shape. Thrift is a perennial, in bloom in Northern Europe from April to September; the tiny flowers are borne in clusters above each ‘cushion’ by a single greyish-green flower spike, about 6-10 inches tall.

Walking along the seashore, it’s impossible not to be drawn to the soft glimmer of sea glass. Incongruous and yet somehow ‘right’ against the pebbles and sand, the wave-washed colours and appealingly frosted texture of these small gems can make hunting for them a truly addictive beach pastime.

Rope and knots have been onboard essentials ever since mankind first took to the sea. As seagoing vessels became more sophisticated, mariners used rope for increasingly complicated tasks, from hauling anchors and sails to holding down rigging; ‘knowing the ropes’ was a vital part of life at sea. By natural extension - given the need for ropes to hold fast, whatever the weather - this expertise also extended to skilled knot tying, with each knot fulfilling a particular function.

Of all the characters in sea folklore, the mermaid is perhaps the most beguiling. From ancient Syrian deities and the sirens of Greek myth through to more recent tales, such as Hans Christian Anderson’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ (subsequently turned into a Disney film) and Helen Dunmore’s popular ‘Ingo’ books today, there has long been a place in worldwide legend for these captivating, sometimes cruel beings.  

On a stormy night in January 1917, the Devon fishing village of Hallsands collapsed into the sea. Miraculously, there were no casualties, but the buildings were all damaged or destroyed, along with the livelihoods of those who had lived in them. While there is no doubt that this storm wrought final devastation on the village, the countdown to destruction had actually begun in the previous century.  

On quays and in harbours throughout the British Isles, the navy Guernsey has long been a familiar sight. Whether knitted by hand in the traditional style or on a modern machine, these special garments are recognised by their distinctive colour, smock-based shape and a special, finely-knit texture that affords protection from salt water, strong sunshine and chill winds.

Today, the name of Grace Darling is synonymous with selfless bravery; at just 22 years old, Grace risked her life to rescue shipwrecked steamship passengers during a severe storm. The story of her short life remains an inspiration.

The Independent newspaper has reported that a Cornwall-based wildlife tour operator made 19 Basking Shark siThe Independent newspaper has reported that a Cornwall-based wildlife tour operator made

19 Basking Shark sightings in just one weekend earlier this month. Captain Keith Leeves, a skipper with AK Wildlife Cruises, said: “To see so many this early has been an absolute honour… This has been one of the best starts to a shark season in living memory.” A total of 266 Basking Shark sightings were reported to the Shark Trust for the whole of 2013 – with numbers of these graceful giants now rising once more, the Trust is hopeful of even more sightings in 2014. As the Basking Shark becomes

more ‘visible’, we have a great opportunity to learn more about ghtings in just one weekend earlier this month. Captain Keith Leeves, a skipper with AK Wildlife Cruises, said: “To see so many this early has been an absolute honour… This has been one of the best starts to a shark season in living memory.” A total of 266 Basking Shark sightings were reported to the Shark Trust for the whole of 2013 – with numbers of these graceful giants now rising once more, the Trust is hopeful of even more sightings in 2014. As the Basking Shark becomes more ‘visible’, we have a great opportunity to learn more about

To celebrate our involvement with the Exeter Food Festival - and as part of our continued campaign to promote the very best of regional food and drink - we’ve teamed up with local chef, Michael Caines MBE, to make three short films. The films tell the story behind our delicious Lyme Bay crabs and lobsters, from the moment they're caught by our fishing boat, the Becci of Ladram, to Michael's finished dish, cooked and served at his prestigious Lympstone Manor restaurant.

Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has long been world famous in its own right. Roughly 4km of gently curved sandy beach in the Copacabana district, it stretches from Princesa Isabel Avenue to Posto Seis, or lifeguard watchtower six, and is part of a chain of Rio city beaches that includes the equally famous Ipanema. Historic forts guard both ends of Copacabana beach; Fort Copacabana, built in 1914, is at the south end by Posto Seis, with Fort Duque de Caxias, built in 1779, at the north end.