Coastal Zone

Cliffs

These are mainly unprotected and therefore subject to natural erosion. They provide an important breeding site for many birds such as Fulmars and Kittiwakes and a habitat for specialised plants and insects.

Wave cut platform
 

As the cliffs erode, they fall onto the wave cut platform. This is made up of flint and chalk layers that have eroded to form rockpools, which contain a fascinating array of wildlife. Look out for holes in the chalk made by burrowing molluscs called Piddocks and the attractive colours of Strawberry Sea Anemones.
 

Please make sure you know the high tide times and take care as the rocks can be slippery.

Vegetated shingle bank

On the beach you can see the vegetated shingle bank, which is a natural feature that has been further developed as a flood defence either side of the River.The shingle has been colonised by plants like the Yellow Horned Poppy which can withstand the harsh salty environment.Vegetated shingle is a nationally rare habitat, because it is so mobile and therefore vulnerable to natural storm events and coastal development.