The seals and whales of the British seas

This concise work brings the often‑overlooked mammals of the British seas into clear view for anyone curious about the coastline’s hidden residents. Drawing on recent scientific reports and a series of articles originally published for a popular natural history magazine, the author offers an up‑to‑date survey of seals, porpoises, and whales that frequent the surrounding waters. The tone is straightforward, avoiding dense jargon while still conveying the excitement of studying creatures that appear so rarely and so dramatically.

Each species is introduced with a brief sketch of its habits, range, and distinguishing features, followed by a careful line drawing that highlights the points most useful for field identification. The illustrations, reproduced from original sketches and the latest reputable sources, make it easy for fishermen, beach‑goers, or amateur naturalists to tell a grey seal from a common dolphin or a striking right‑whale from a stranded calf. References for the more diligent reader are included, opening pathways to deeper research without overwhelming the casual listener.