I spent the summer of 2024 exploring the shingle ridge of Slapton Sands, with its unique habitat of highly adapted plant species which thrive in this harsh salty environment. The most abundant species here include the colourful vipers bugloss, wild carrot and mugwort. Sea kale also thrives here in isolated clusters—its long root system providing an anchor in coastal winds. This beautiful community of wildflowers exists here within these small islands between the shingle because of specialised adaptations, while these conditions prevent more common species from becoming established.

Further west along the South Hams coast is Burgh Island, surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters. Beneath the surface is a remarkably biodiverse kelp forest which can be explored if you have a mask and snorkel.