Guidance: Preventative measures that can be taken are:

• brief the works unit/contractors before commencement of work to ensure that each individual is clear about the measures being taken;
• require contractor to appoint environmental supervisor to oversee environmental issues (as condition of planning approval);
• limit the number of beach access points for vehicles and if possible, ensure vehicles keep to a limited track;
• clearly define beach access points avoiding any vegetated areas where possible. If the loss of some vegetation is unavoidable, ensure that it is limited to those communities which will be able to re-establish in the relatively short term;
• demarcate any particularly valuable or important areas of vegetation prior to commencement of operations to ensure its protection. Use old groyne timber, tape or any other highly visible barrier laid around the perimeter. Keep all vehicles, machinery and people out of the marked area. Some practical approaches were successfully applied at Dungeness;
• if possible, wash imported marine-dredged shingle to prevent nutrient enrichment;
• if possible, use imported shingle of a suitable type/size for vegetation, at least in those more stable areas where plants are likely to recolonise;
• if possible, limit vehicle movement along the beach to below High Water Mark to prevent impact to vegetation or compaction of shingle on the ridge;
• limit work to the period outside the bird-nesting season. Shingle nesting birds generally nest between March and August;
• include information about the shingle vegetation protection measures that are being taken, in any interpretation on the site.