|
Coastal Vegetated Shingle.
Where plants grow on shingle, the shingle is termed vegetated. According to the Sussex HAP [p.2] the term vegetated shingle applies to all vegetated or potentially vegetated shingle. Current Status and Distribution. The best stretches of habitat occur on the north-east side of the parish, within the SSSI but not all part of the nature reserve. Less rich areas can be found between the Bill and Hillfield Road, and bordering West Sands Caravan Park. A valuable section has been identified to the west of the coastguard tower but this is an area under particular threat from coastal erosion. Importance. Vegetated shingle is important for the unusual and often highly specialised plants and animals it supports. It is a nationally rare habitat and of international conservation importance [Sussex HAP p.3] It is especially important for terrestrial invertebrates - some of the rarest and most specialised occur on sparsely vegetated shingle and are unique to the habitat [Sussex HAP p.5]. Local Significance. Change in the vegetated shingle habitat has not been well documented except at Pagham Harbour. Threats. · Lack of understanding of the value of the habitat resulting in its deterioration through trampling, dog fouling, burning[barbecues], dumping, stripping of plants and the introduction of exotic species. · Coastal protection work possibly interfering with natural processes - coastal squeeze. · Sea level rise. · Oil pollution. Objectives. 1. Protect and monitor existing areas of vegetation outside the nature reserve. 2. Raise awareness of the importance of the vegetated shingle habitat. 3. Explore opportunities to extend the habitat.
|
ACTIONS
| Sussex HAP targets | Action proposed in Sussex HAP | Action proposed in Chichester District LBAP | Action proposed in Selsey Parish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liase with landowners adjoining or on shingle with a view to fostering appreciation of the shingle habitat. | Monitor and take action where possible against invasive species. | Provide interpretation at the most important shingle sites | Discourage dumping, burning and encroachment on shingle habitats by adjoining households. |
| Promote local 'guardians' to monitor activities in their local shingle area. | Promote education/interpretation about the value of the shingle habitat.Promote demonstration shingle habitats at appropriate locations. | The West Sussex Vegetated Shingle Officer is to contact Parish Councils with advice. Parish magazines/newsletters are to be used to get message across. | |
| Vegetated shingle habitat is to be mentioned in all key communications as part of the overall LBAP biodiversity awareness campaign. | Identify specific human threats to the habitat and help to publicise these through local media and displays.Encourage the development of shingle gardens with guidance from the Vegetated Shingle Project Officer | Set up a group of local 'guardians' to monitor the habitat, outside the nature reserve, in terms of human activity and vegetation change, enlisting expert support to monitor populations of species, including invasive alien species. | Help to promote use of the shingle education pack in schools.Explore possibility of developing a demonstration shingle area for interpretation and educational purposes. |
Further Possibilities: 1.Create a local shingle vegetation nursery. 2. Make use of wooden benches along sea front to raise awareness of the value of vegetated shingle - small plaques with a picture and information about a particular species.
For any opinions or feedback or any
other information please contact
telephone 01243 607104
or email ssavill@lineone.net
Back to Table
of Contents
