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Shingle structures, damage and destruction through excavation
At a few sites losses of surface shingle, and with it the vegetation and associated
animal interests, has been considerable. In many cases this has involved major
excavation of the surface shingle to below the water table, creating open water
(gravel pits). Two sites in the UK have been especially affected:
- Dungeness,
Kent;
- The
Crumbles, East Sussex.
At these and other sites shallower excavations, or damage to the surface, has
also resulted in a complete or partial loss of vegetation, such as at Orfordness
and parts of Dungeness.
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Guidance: Restoring some of the former interest to damaged shingle
is difficult but possible where the surface remains above the water table.
Where the shingle has been excavated to below the water table restoration
of surface shingle communities is mostly irreversible. New habitat in
the form of open fresh water gravel
pits can develop which can have wildlife and recreational potential.
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