Education project uncovers seaside rock stars

Under-appreciated marine life and landforms are enjoying a rare moment in the spotlight thanks to a new education project from the University of Glasgow. The Shore Shapers information pack is the first widely-available effort to highlight the important role animals, algae and microscopic life forms play in sculpting our seaside landscapes. While many people are aware of the role the sea plays in shaping our coastlines via weathering and erosion, fewer understand the vital contribution of creatures such as limpets, boring worms and seaweeds which eat, drill into and protect rocky shores. Wildlife that helps shape shores can be thought of as ecosystem engineers. They interact with geology, the sea and climate to shape majestic landforms like rock pools and sea arches. Bioprotection of coastal rocks and structures The fold-out, double-sided guide offers a range of educational activities for beach visitors to develop their knowledge of biogeomorphological processes. Biogeomorphology is the study of the interplay between plants and animals and the landscape, as well as how geomorphic processes (e.g., running water, ice, wind, wave action and landslides) affect the distribution of plants and animals.