| |
Shingle structures - shallow excavation
Shallow excavation of gravel, destroys the surface shingle and with it its
plant and animal communities. However, where these shallower excavations do
not reach the water table, if left undisturbed they can become recolonised.
In some cases this may increase locally the biodiversity of the site as species
associated with damp to wet conditions become established (see parts of Dungeness
and the coastal shingles at Kingston,
Spey Bay, northeast Scotland).
| Guidance: The fact that such changes can occur must not be viewed
as a justification for excavation. Coastal vegetated shingle, already a
rare and much depleted resources, cannot accommodate further losses without
significant impact on its sustainability. |
Comment: Shingle beaches may also suffer loss through localised excavation.
This may be by individuals who remove small quantities for personal use or larger
scale operations for sale. It has not been possible to find information on the
extent of these activities, which are both illegal, thus assessing their impact
has not been possible. Whatever the cause the removal of surface shingle destroys
the vegetation and associated fauna, further degrading the habitat.
|
|
