State 3, Vegetated shingle ridges

This state is characterised by the presence of vegetation on the shingle beaches and ridges (on more stable structures). Included in this is the ephemeral vegetation of drift lines as well as the stable vegetation of shingle structures shown in the Figure opposite.

Caption: Stable shingle ridges on the Culbin shingle bar, north east Scotland. As can be seen from the picture this state includes a mosaic of open and closed (low-growing grassland and heath) and scrub vegetation.

The value of this state lies in the presence of undisturbed structures (ridges and lows) and the diversity of plant and animal communities which are associated with them.