Types of British seaweed
Thongweed, Himanthalia elongata, grows on the lower shore in quite exposed areas.
Unlike land plants, seaweeds have no branches and leaves, but instead they have fronds. Looking at the shape and colour of the fronds will help you to identify the seaweed. Some fronds have a ridge running down the centre called a mid-rib and some have air-filled bubbles called bladders.
Explore the 12 kinds of seaweed we would like you to find in this survey in the slideshows below.
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Seaweeds of the upper and middle shore
How do seaweeds on the upper shore retain their moisture when the tide is out? And how can you tell how exposed the upper shore is? Find out more.
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Seaweeds of the lower shore
Seaweeds can provide an important habitat for creatures like sea squirts, sea mat and flat periwinkles. Find out where to look for them on the lower shore.
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Seaweeds in rock pools
Rock pools are home to some very common seaweeds and also to some more vulnerable species. Find out how to identify them.
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Seaweeds of the middle shore
Get involved
Help us find out more about these wonderful organisms by taking part in the Big Seaweed Search. You don't need to be an expert - just use our downloadable guides.
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