THE Borders coastline is home to some of the most spectacular marine habitats and species in the North Sea.

The importance of this area is recognised through a European designation which is known as the Berwickshire & North Northumberland Coast European Marine Site (EMS).

The site stretches along 115km of coast from Alnmouth in the south, up to Fast Castle Head in Scotland, encompassing 635 square kilometres of shore and sea, including the Farne Islands, Holy Island and the St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve.

It is designated for its outstanding examples of intertidal and subtidal rocky reef, colourful sea caves, nutrient rich sand and mud flats, shallow inlets and bays, an internationally important population of grey seal and a multitude of coastal birds.

And now it has been documented by the Berwickshire & North Northumberland Coast European Marine Site who have launched a new website so can experience this fascinating environment without having to get your feet wet!

It gives visitors a fascinating insight into the dazzling rock pool aquariums and what life is like in the extreme environment of the intertidal rocky shore. See how the dense kelp forests provide shelter for an array of marine creatures beneath the swaying marine canopy, browse the media gallery, come along on a guided seashore safari, or book a learning session with the EMS Officer.

For more information log on to www.xbordercurrents.co.uk or contact Claire Carey Berwickshire & North Northumberland Coast European Marine Site Implementation Officer, by phone on 01670 533780.