Twisted Wrack
Twisted or 'Spiral' Wrack is a common 'wrack' seaweed that grows just below the high water mark on rocky shores. Living on the upper shore, it is very tolerant of desiccation and can survive out of the water for long periods, although not as long as Channelled Wrack. It can live for up to four years.
Seaweeds provide a vital link in the food chain for many of our rarer species. Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Channelled Wrack
A very common seaweed, Channelled Wrack grows around the high water mark on sheltered, rocky shores. Living on the upper shore, it is very tolerant of desiccation and can survive for up to eight days out of the water. In fact, if it is fully submerged for too long, it may die. Channelled Wrack can live for up to four years.
Seaweeds provide a vital link in the food chain for many of our rarer species. Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Sugar Kelp
Sugar Kelp (or 'Sugar Wrack') is a common 'kelp' seaweed which grows around the low water mark, attached to rocky shores up to 30 metres deep. It favours sheltered conditions. Sugar Kelp can live for up to four years and grows particularly quickly during early spring. Living up to its common name, Sugar Kelp is sweeter than other kelps, so is used in cooking from Scotland to Japan.
Seaweeds provide a vital link in the food chain for many of our rarer species. Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Oarweed
Oarweed is a common 'kelp' seaweed which grows in dense beds, attached to rocky shores by its tough, root-like holdfasts. It can grow at depths of up to 20 metres in clear water, and flourishes in strong currents. The floating fronds may be exposed at low tide. Oarweed is a perennial which can live for up to six years; although growth occurs throughout the year, it is fastest in spring.
Kelp beds are important habitats for a whole host of species, nursery beds for fish and food for many of our rarer animals. Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Sea Lettuce
Sea Lettuce is a common seaweed of many different beach habitats; it can often be found attached to rocks in sheltered shores, but also thrives in rock pools even if it has become detached from its substrate. Its holdfast portions (the area that sticks to the substrate) are perennial and grow new fronds each spring.
Seaweeds provide a vital link in the food chain for many of our rarer species. Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Gutweed
Gutweed is a common seaweed of rock pools, saltmarshes and seawater ditches, and is particularly abundant in brackish water. It is often seen with bubbles of air trapped inside its long fronds which have the look of intestines, hence its name. It is sometimes attached to substrate, but may become detached, forming floating, growing masses. It is a summer annual so will decay and form masses of bleached fronds towards the end of the season.
Seaweeds provide a vital link in the food chain for many of our rarer species. Our seas and coastline are in need of protection if we are to keep our marine wildlife healthy. The Wildlife Trusts are working with fishermen, researchers, politicians and local people towards a vision of 'Living Seas', where marine wildlife thrives. This work has recently had a massive boost with the passing of the Marine Bill, promising sustainable development of the UK's marine environment. Do your bit for our Living Seas by supporting your local Wildlife Trust.
Broad-leaved Helleborine
The Broad-leaved Helleborine is a tall, dark orchid with leaves that spiral around the stem and purple-tinged, drooping flowers. It flowers from July to September and can be seen mainly in woodlands and scrub, but oddly prefers waste grounds in and around the city of Glasgow.
The Wildlife Trusts manage many nature reserves for the benefit of all kinds of wildlife, including many different species of plants. But these precious sites are under threat from development, intensive agricultural practices and climate change. You can help by supporting your local Trust and becoming a member; you'll find out about exciting wildlife happenings, events on your doorstep and volunteering opportunities, and be helping local wildlife along the way.
Marsh Helleborine
A stunning orchid of wetland areas, the Marsh Helleborine can be found in fens, damp grassland, marshes and dune slacks, especially with chalky soils. Its rather loose flower spike carries up to 20 white and pink flowers during July and August; in some areas, forests of hundreds of plants can colour the green marsh vegetation. But despite its profusion in certain areas, the Marsh Helleborine is declining due to habitat loss.
Human activity, including the drainage of land for agriculture and development, has resulted in the disappearance of many of the UK's wetlands. The Wildlife Trusts are working closely with planners, developers and farmers to ensure our wetlands are protected and managed for the benefit of the plants and animals they hold, including the Marsh Helleborine. We have a vision of a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country, which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.
Black Bryony
Black Bryony is a climbing hedgerow and woodland edge plant that flowers between May and August and produces red and shiny berries that can be seen, covered in frost, in winter. Our only native member of the yam family, Black Bryony is actually highly poisonous. Despite its name and superficial resemblance, it is not a relative of White Bryony.
Our hedgerows support all kinds of wildlife, providing vital food and shelter. But these habitats are disappearing with the intensification of agriculture. The Wildlife Trusts are working closely with farmers, landowners and developers to promote wildlife-friendly practices, such as planting hedges and leaving field margins. We have a vision of a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country, which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.
Yellow Iris
The water-loving Yellow Iris can be found along the margins of waterways and ponds, and in wet woodlands, fens and saltmarshes. Often mingled among other reedbed plants, its large, bright yellow flowers appear between May and August and are thought to be the inspiration for the fleur-de-lis symbol which is used in heraldry and also by the scouts.
Human activity, including the drainage of land for agriculture and development, has resulted in the disappearance of many of the UK's wetlands. The Wildlife Trusts are working closely with planners, developers and farmers to ensure our wetlands are protected. You can help too: add native plants and flowers, such as Yellow Iris, to a wildlife-friendly pond and its margins, and provide shelter for amphibians and nectar for insects. In partnership with the RHS, The Wildlife Trusts' Wild About Gardens initiative can help you plan your wildlife garden.
