Beneath British seas, a labyrinth of kelp carpets the seafloor, fronds swaying rhythmically in the swell. Towering rock formations break through the leafy canopy, their stony faces draped in climbing kelp and encrusting life. Down here, it’s an ocean jungle and it sprawls endlessly.

Tucked deep within the dense forest, aliens roam; masters of disguise and ferocious predators. Nine brains, three hearts, and eight arms – octopus are everywhere.

The United Kingdom is home to an underwater paradise that is all too often overlooked. Its seas may be cold, rugged, and sometimes green, but they sustain a remarkable and diverse spectrum of marine life. For those willing to explore them, truly magical encounters await. From tiny creatures to large, apex predators, British waters have much to offer. And this year, they have hosted the unexpected boom of octopus.

Intelligent, curious, and cryptic, the common octopus, a magnificent species rarely seen in the UK for many years, appears to be expanding its range. In 2022, sightings recorded by hundreds of divers and ocean-goers across the UK championed the return of these enigmatic beings. But, as it transpires, that was just the advance party – fast forward three years, and today, they have returned. And in greater numbers.

In July 2022, the Marine Biological Association declared that the number of common octopus recorded off Cornwall had reached “unprecedented” levels; the highest since 1948, and certainly since the south coast was last “plagued” by the visiting cephalopods back in 1899. Despite its name, the common octopus was once a rare sight here in British waters. But, by March this year, just as sea temperatures rose (by between 2°C and 4°C above average spring temperatures), so too did the common octopus population.

My fascination with octopus pre-dates my determination to photograph them, which was cemented in summer 2022. With social media awash with images and with mission in mind, I headed to my favourite Cornish dive site, Drawna Rock.