This architectural plant (Eryngium maritimum) with stiff, spiny blue-green leaves netted with silvery white veins, adapts well to shingle beaches because of the thick outer skin on its leaves and stalk. This protects it against sea spray and water loss. Shingle that is stable enough to support plants is rare. The dramatic structure of the plant with its contrasting soft colourful blue purple tinted head makes its uniqueness. There it is thriving in the middle of a very stony beach in a solitary location. I lay flat on the lumpy beach with the camera resting on the pebbles, focusing upwards to capture the full impact of the sky, while keeping the plant as the main focus.

Commended - Changing Coastlines