Coastal foraging is pretty dependent on the moon. So checking out which phase of the moon we’re in is essential when you’re planning to visit the coast.

The most ideal time to forage for seaweed is when the water level is at its lowest. This happens on a full or new moon phase when the sun, the Earth and the moon are aligned. The moon has the strongest effect on tides during or around these days. Gravity takes the water back and forth with the biggest power. 

We tend to go foraging when the difference between the low and the high tide is the most significant. This phenomenon is called spring tide. The time between these two phases doesn’t affect tides that much in comparison - the difference between the low and the high tide is not that strong. These phases are known as neap tides.

The moon phase is not the only thing that affects the strength of the tide and how comfortably we will be able to forage. You need to check on the wind conditions and also the time of the year.

The strongest tides are usually in the winter and spring (it's again because of the position of the Earth towards the moon and sun).

When you go off foraging, you should come before the low tide and keep an eye on the water. It’s important to know when the next high tide is because there is a danger that you’ll be cut off by the rising water. Sometimes it comes surprisingly quickly. That again depends on the position of the shore, the depth of the water and the general location of the spot.

Tide times differ for each area so it’s good to check them online (https://www.tidetimes.org.uk/) or you can simply buy Tide Times Book for the place you live in.

In the UK there are normally two floods and two ebbs in 24 hours, some places have double tides. For example, in Southampton, tidal characteristics are exaggerated by internal resonance within the estuary, which causes double high water. On the other hand, double low water occurs in Portland (Dorset).

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