Coastal Vegetated Shingle - Introduction

Coastal vegetated shingle (CVS) (fig. 1) is a margin habitat that forms a transition zone between terrestrial and marine habitats, and can be found around the whole of the UK's coastline (Jones et al, 2013; NatureScot, 2023). The term 'shingle' can be defined by any sediment with an average grain size between 2 - 200mm. The size of the sediment then determines how far it can be transported/deposited by wave and wind action. Sediment for shingle beaches and structures originates from Offshore Pleistocene glacial sediments, from rivers transporting shingle to the coast, and from active erosion of other sites such as coastal cliffs (Jones et al, 2011). There are two broad communities of CVS (Jones et al, 2011), mostly defined by the natural processes they experience:
1. Dynamic - shingle beaches which experience repeated disturbance and salt spray, very mobile
2. Sheltered - shingle areas away from shore, giving more stable conditions which allow vegetation to grow (e.g. mosses, lichens, grasses)

There is around 5800ha of vegetated shingle in the UK, with 670ha of this in Scotland. (Jones et al, 2011). There are a few locations of CVS along the East Coast (Murdock et al, 2014); Cairnbulg to White Links (fig. 2 & 3), Buchanhaven (fig. 4), and Stonehaven (fig. 5).

Biodiversity:
Coastal vegetated shingle supports a range of biodiversity, with diverse invertebrate communities associated with CVS (Buglife, no date). Small periwinkle (Melarhaphe neritoides) is an example of an invertebrate associated with CVS recorded along the East Coast. Coastal shingle can also provide an area for rich lichen habitats, as vascular plant growth is somewhat restricted due to the changeable nature of the shingle (British Lichen Society, no date). Birds including terns, plovers, and oystercatchers will use coastal shingle as a breeding habitat (fig. 6). Key pioneer plant species in shingle habitat include sea kale (Crambe maritima) and sea campion (Silene uniflora)

Ecosystem Services (Jones et al, 2014):
CVS provides a number of ecosystem services, following the four classifications introduced in the Millenium Ecosystem Assessment (2005).

Supporting: Shingle forms the 'backbone' for other coastal habitats such as sand dune bars, shelter for lagoons, and sedimentation of tidal mudflats. It also supports primary production and water cycling. 

Provisioning: CVS holds some importance for wild plants & berries (as food) alongside resource extraction of sand and gravel. CVS is of high importance for wild species diversity (rare/unique plants, animals, birds, insects). Many CVS sites are in ecosystem-specific protected areas such as SSSIs or SACs.

Regulating: Shingle holds some importance for carbon sequestration, and is of high importance breeding/over-wintering/feeding ground for birds. It is also highly important for hazard regulation as a sea defence. Shingle can provide direct protection from the sea if the shingle system is big enough by absorbing wave action to dissipate wave energy before it reaches human infrastructure.

Cultural: CVS is of some importance as a resource for education, public knowledge, and scientific study. It is of high importance as an area for recreation (walking, camping, birdwatching), an area for wellbeing (exercise, local meaningful space, wilderness), and a source of aesthetic views and inspiration for art and culture.

Conservation Status:
UKBAP: Priority Habitat (BRIG, 2007)
Scottish Biodiversity List: Priority Terrestrial Habitat (NatureScot, 2020)
CVS is an Annex I Habitat under the Habitats Directive (European). It is often assessed in two categories: H1210 'Annual vegetation of drift lines' and H1220 'Perennial vegetation of stony banks'.