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Routes to restoring shingle structures and vegetation -
index
State
1 (erosional) and State
2 (accretional or stable) are typically associated with shingle beaches,
which are subjected to the action of waves and storms. Movement between these
states can form part of the natural processes associated with this dynamic landform
in which plants can perform a limited role. However, the erosional state is
often the predominant form and where the shingle represents an important line
of sea defence, action to help stabilise the beach is frequently undertaken.
Management and restoration guidance aimed at creating stability i.e.
moving the beach from State
1 - State 2 is provided in this section of the Guide.
From a nature conservation perspective reversing the process of stabilisation,
creating instability, i.e. moving the shingle from State
2 to State 1 is also an option.
State
3 and State
4 are associated with more stable beaches and structures. Here the
loss of the surface shingle is the key issue. Restoring the shingle structure
(ridges and lows) is difficult, but restoring vegetation on areas remaining
above the water table is feasible. Thus for this form of restoration the conservation
requirements are the most significant justification for action. Natural regeneration
of plant communities takes place over time and though a variety of techniques
have been tried to encourage the establishment of vegetation these are not thought
to be particularly effective. Hence restoring vegetation i.e. moving the shingle
surface from State
4 to State 3 may largely be a matter of 'leaving
nature to take its course'.
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General guidance: The nature of the route taken to restore shingle,
especially where it involves reconstruction, must take account of the
original form (physical
types) of the structure and be informed by an understanding
of the geomorphological
processes influencing their development. The nature of human
pressures and the way these have affected the areas where management
is contemplated are also critical.
Funding: The Guide includes information on possible
funding
opportunities. This is not exhaustive but includes the main
opportunies in the UK.
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Note: Information on the restoration of State 5 shingle (gravel
pits) is not included in this Guide.
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