Measuring some 12,000 miles - not counting its myriad of offshore islands - the coast comprises the most varied, vulnerable and most fascinating places in Britain and Ireland. Contained here are its many highlights, from sea caves to sea otters, from tides to treasure, and from to puffins to pillboxes. But as rising sea levels eat relentlessly at its boundaries our coast is changing ever faster, revealing new stories of our islands' past whilst bringing into focus its most precious assets that demand protection. The coast is home to wildlife of all huge variety, whether whales and dolphins or rare orchids and undersea forests. There are amazing natural structures including dunes, saltmarshes, and outstanding manmade features -forts, piers, lighthouses and holiday camps. And the coast bursts with extraordinary energy, from the weather and tides and through the diverse activities of fishing and holiday making. AUTHOR: Ruth Binney has been studying the countryside and nature for over 50 years. She holds a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University and has been involved in countless publications during her career as an editor. She is the also a bestselling author having published numerous books on the gardening, countryside, country sayings and customs. Ruth lives in Cardiff.