At the base of the cliffs, a substantial shingle beach has accumulated behind Newhaven Breakwater which guards the mouth of the River Ouse from silting up. West of this beach a wave-cut platform can be seen at low tides, with characteristic patterns of gullies and ridges at right angles to the sea. These gullies and numerous rock pools support a large variety of algae and invertebrates.
The steep chalk cliffs are overlaid in places by clay, giving rise to extensive slump areas which result in an interesting mix of calcareous and clay substrates and associated flora and fauna. The Cliffs are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest specifically for its geological importance. The cliffs are home to one of the only colony of nesting Kittywakes in Sussex, as well as Fulmars, Peregrine Falcons and a variety of gulls. |
