Intertidal

The Habitats Directive has identified certain natural features as being of European importance for conservation. The UK has signed up to the Directive and has made a commitment to maintaining these features in favourable condition. Around the country, sites where these features exist have been specifically designated for protection by English Nature. They are known as Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Areas (SPA) for sites supporting important bird numbers. Collectively these sites are known as the Natura 2000 network.

The following intertidal habitats are included in the Project:-

		Vegetated Shingle Ridge An area of coastal shingle above the reach of the waves which is stable and has become colonised by vegetation. Species: Blackthorn, Sea blite, Sea pea, Oatgrass.
		Salt Marsh A coastal marsh found along low-lying shores. Usually located in the sheltered part of an estuary or protected by a spit or expanse of mudflat. Become colonised by plant species able to withstand frequent and prolonged immersion in water. Species: Sea Aster, Sea Spurrey, Avocet.
		Saline Lagoon Areas of shallow coastal saltwater of varying salinity separated from the sea by sandbanks or shingle. They retain a proportion of their sea water at low tide and may develop as brackish, full saline or hyper-saline water bodies. Species: Lagoon mysid, Foxtail stonewart.
		Reed bed Wetlands dominated by stands of the common reed, wherein the water table is at or above ground level for most of the year. They tend to incorporate areas of open water and ditches, and small areas of wet grassland. Species: Teal, Bittern, Marsh Harrier.
		Mudflat An area of fine silt occurring in sheltered estuaries or behind shingle bars or sandpits. They are usually covered at high tide but exposed at low tide. Species: Dwarf Eelgrass, Black-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover.
		Coastal grazing marsh Periodically inundated pasture, or meadow with ditches which maintain the water levels, containing standing brackish or fresh water. Almost all areas are grazed and some are cut for hay or silage. Species: Dark-bellied Brent Geese, Curlew, Creeping Bent.
		Sand Dune A low ridge or hillock of drifted sand moved by the wind. They develop on coastlines where there is adequate supply of sediment within the size range 0.2 to 2.0 mm. Species: Sand Couch, Lyme-grass, Little Tern.