Not being raised in a location where shingle (pebble) beaches are common, the idea of pebble collecting was not one of which I became aware until a few years ago, when I happened upon the 2018 re-issue of Clarence Ellis’ classic 1954 book The Pebbles on the Beach; A Spotter’s Guide. I was instantly captivated by the past-time’s delightful combination of gentle contemplativeness, potential for surprises, and connection to natural history. Alas, much to my disappointment, my usual voyage to the UK has already been cancelled for this year, as it was last year, so I’ll not be able to put Mr. Mitchell’s book through its paces along the British shorelines as I should, however I’ll most certainly be taking it along into the field this summer to apply the information it contains to the local spots of pebble potential in search of what wonders they might disclose. A beautiful little guide to one of life's simple pleasures - pebble spotting. Where science meets mindfulness. Learn to appreciate their beauty, discover the amazing journey that brought them to you, search for the rare ones. Leave no stone unturned. The Pebble Spotter's Guide is the perfect introduction to everything you didn't know there was to know about the mindful pleasure of pebble spotting and the wonder of pebbles. Simply sit on a beach or next to a stream for 10 minutes and find amazing treasures at your feet; there is much to discover.

But what is it? Use this beautifully illustrated little guide to find out, and to discover your pebble’s fascinating life story and secrets. It could be even more special than you thought… This is a spirited guide to the simple pleasure of pebble spotting. Clarence Ellis is a charming, knowledgeable and witty guide to everything you didn't know there was to know about pebbles. He ruminates on what a pebble actually is, before showing us how they are formed, advising on the best pebble-spotting grounds in the UK, helping to identify individual stones, and giving tips onthe necessary kit. You'll know your chert from your schist, your onyx from your agate and will be on your guard for artificial intruders before you know it. Understanding the humble pebble makes a trip to the beach, lake-side or river bank simply that little bit more fascinating. The phrase “here there be dragons,” so famously seen on old maps indicating places where there were great and mysterious dangers to be found, was not so very long ago not simply a metaphor. In fact, no less an authority on natural philosophy (what would later become known as natural history) than Linnaeus himself included […] Small bags: you need something strong to keep your collection in. Be careful to carry jagged or rough samples separately to avoid damaging your other pebbles. You may need to individually wrap your samples to protect them from scratches.

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Geologist and passionate pebble spotter Clive Mitchell has created a charming and wonderfully browsable book that is a perfect companion to a day out or holiday, or an idle moment at home.

But what is it? Use this beautifully illustrated little guide to find out, and to discover your pebble's fascinating life story and secrets. It could be even more special than you thought…I love this book. Like all the best nature books it is alchemical, sparking wonder in the mundane. ( Tristan Gooley) Paper and an indelible marker: I’d recommend writing the location and date on the bag and also on a piece of paper to put into the bag with the pebble. A beautiful little guide to one of life's simple pleasures – pebble spotting. Where science meets mindfulness. Learn to appreciate their beauty, discover the amazing journey that brought them to you, search for the rare ones. Leave no stone unturned. But what is it? Use this beautifully illustrated little guide to find out, and to discover your pebble’s fascinating life story and secrets. It could be even more special than you thought... Turn a day on the beach or a seaside holiday stroll into a treasure hunt with this lovely little guide to identifying pebbles.

But what is it? Use this beautifully illustrated little guide to find out, and to discover your pebble’s fascinating life story and secrets. It could be even more special than you thought… A handy illustrated guide to identifying pebbles is included on the reverse of the foldout book cover: There's nothing quite like the thrill of hunting for treasure on the shingle-studded beaches of Britain ... This classic Fifties book on pebble-collecting has just been re-published, in the hope of reigniting enthusiasm for this great British tradition ... The book was a roaring success ... the staple companion to the British seaside experience: a wonderfully therapeutic form of escapism and free fun, whatever the weather. Today, Ellis' guide, with his thoughtful, almost poetic descriptions, is just as useful almost 65 years on - and perhaps it has never been more necessary ... Utterly enchanting. ( Daily Mail) More visual in composition than Ellis’ original, which was primarily narrative, The Pebble Spotter’s Guide offers its readers color illustrations of forty different pebbles, complete with explanations of their composition and suggestions about how and where they may be found.Ellis broke open the language of stones for me . He clearly loved language for its capacity to grade and sort perceptions but also for the poetry it carried. As an ordinary looking pebble could be sliced and polished to reveal dazzling patterns, so could a word. --( Robert Macfarlane) Fascinating ... A pebble-hunting family could be most united and happy for hours ... Charmingly illustrated ... Ideal seaside companions. ( The Spectator) This is a spirited guide to the simple pleasure of pebble spotting. Clarence Ellis is a charming, knowledgeable and witty guide to everything you didn’t know there was to know about pebbles. He ruminates on what a pebble actually is, before showing us how they are formed, advising on the best pebble-spotting grounds in the UK, helping to identify individual stones, and giving tips on the necessary kit. You’ll know your chert from your schist, your onyx from your agate and will be on your guard for artificial intruders before you know it. Understanding the humble pebble makes a trip to the beach, lake-side or river bank simply that little bit more fascinating. Camera or smartphone: photos are great for recording your finds and sharing them with friends online. You can also share your discovery with others via the BGS iGeology app.