The secret lives of seashells

All they need is a specialised organ, some calcium-rich food and time

It has been a long drive, but I need to get as far away from the city as possible. Somewhere near Andover the stupidity of what I’m doing hits me and I pull into a service station, get out of the car

Create a laid-back coastal retreat with the right plants, features and finishing touches – even if you live far from the shore!

Rugged coastlines, surging tides and deep, cold water put Scottish shellfish in a class of its own. Nick Hammond heads north to taste his way around some seafood hotspots

THE STRANDLINE OF BRIGHTON beach is a heady mix of fascinating sea creatures, washed-up fishing gear and the remnants of parties and beach barbecues. I crunch my way over the pebbles at morning low ti

WE CONTINUE OUR 40TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS BY HIGHLIGHTING OUR FAVOURITE WILDLIFE SPOTS ACROSS THE UK COMPILED BY LISA HARRIS