How to identify the pebbles you find on Britain's beaches

In his 1954 book The Pebbles on the Beach, Clarence Ellis shared his passion for the simple pleasure of pebble-hunting. In this extract, he details picks out some of the most common natural treasures you'll find on our shores and notes what they might look like after polishing. llustrations by Eleanor Crow.

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(Image credit: Illustration by Eleanor Crow, taken from ‘The Pebbles on the Beach: A Spotter’s Guide’ by Clarence Ellis (Faber & Faber, £9.99))
Country Life
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The Pebbles on the Beach: A Spotter’s Guide was reissued by Faber & Faber on August 2, with a foreword by Robert Macfarlane (£9.99)

Country Life
Country Life

Bringing the quintessential English rural idle to life via interiors, food and drink, property and more Country Life’s travel content offers a window into the stunning scenery, imposing stately homes and quaint villages which make the UK’s countryside some of the most visited in the world.

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