Cornish Rock Pools

Thinking of going rock pooling in Cornwall? You’ve come to the right place.

Read on to find out where and how to rock pool, what you might find, my latest tips and discoveries and groups to join if you want to learn more.

There’s something about rock pooling. It’s a window on the underwater world. It’s the freedom of wandering between the blue sky and sparkling sea, never knowing what you will find. It’s a joy every child should experience, and that every adult should rediscover.

Heather Buttivant – Creator of Cornish Rock Pools

Found in the rock pools this week…

We had some great tides at the start of the February half term, aided by an unusual wind direction that pushed the waves away from the shore. My son, Cornish Rockpools Junior had a great time surveying stalked jellyfish at Portwrinkle in the Looe and Whitsand Bay and now holds the ‘world record’ for that location! Our favourite was this pair of Haliclystus octoradiatus stalked jellies – the one on the right of the photo is a tiny juvenile!

An adult Haliclystus ocroradiatus with a baby next to it. This species is a recognised feature of the Looe and Whitsand Marine Conservation Zone.

And the next day I was thrilled to come face to face with a fully-grown lobster on another beach!

Bob the lobster in the rock pool, Cornwall — Bob the lobster in his/her rock pool, Cornwall

I’m delighted that Cornish Rock Pools was named ‘Blogger of the Week’ in 2016 by the BBC Wildlife Magazine for my report on finding and photographing these gorgeous Scarlet and gold cup corals. Read more here.