Value - State 2, Accretional shingle

1. Nature conservation

• In the early stages of colonisation these may include specialist species which form ephemeral vegetation types;
• Provides material for new or reprofiled shingle ridges and with them opportunities for the natural restoration of vegetation;
• These also support some rare invertebrates along the drift line.

2. Landscape and cultural

• The shape of naturally developing shingle spits and bars provide significant features in those coastal landscapes where they exist;

3. Coastal defence and economic

• Accreting shingle help to build up the shore and create or improve the sea defence function;
• Sloping shorelines for mooring boats.