Infrastructure development on shingle structures

The loss of surface shingle through the building of infrastructure on both the larger and smaller sites has had a major impact on the habitat. This cause direct loss of habitat and with it its wildlife value. In some instances and of even greater importance it can also impose severe demands on coastal protection where buildings are constructed near to an eroding shore, as is the case at Dungeness (see picture opposite).

Caption: The nuclear power stations at Dungeness, Kent. Here three nuclear power plants have been built close to the shore to provide access to cooling water. Their presence provides a powerful incentive to 'protect' the shoreline and structure from erosion which could undermine the buildings.

Losses have also occurred at the Crumbles on the Sussex coast and Orfordness and as elsewhere, in addition to the direct loss of habitat the surface vegetation has been severely damaged.