Coastal Dunes

View south towards Sizewell Nuclear Power Station from Dunwich Heath beach. (© Jonathan Dix)

Coastal Dunes + Looking north near Covehithe Broad (© Simon Odell (2011))

Looking north from Bawdsey, Suffolk (© Simon Odell (2011))

Summary

Overall description:

Narrow stretches of open, rolling sand dunes and shingle ridges, adjoining wide, expansive and windswept beaches, in places backed by fringes of pine woods.

Location:

Occur in discrete linear patches along the north and east coast.

Physical environment

Landform:

Gently rolling, in places undulating landform of sand, or shingle ridges formed by wave/wind action.

Natural / water features:

Subject to flooding at high tide. Contains water channels draining beaches as tide retreats.

Vegetation and land use

Ecological character:

This is a largely semi-natural landscape, dominated by dune vegetation, large areas of which remain extant, along with significant shingle features such as Orford Ness.

Primary land use :

Rough/wild land, but localised recreational landuse in some parts.

Tree cover:

Generally unwooded, but pine plantations are a feature in places (eg. Holkham).

Cultural pattern

Historic features:

Historic military structures, especially Orford Ness and Landguard Fort and sea defences.

Enclosure pattern:

Unenclosed

Settlement pattern:

Although largely unsettled, this landscape includes former military sites, a nuclear power station and the expansion of adjoining coastal settlements. Fishermen's huts, drying racks and boats on the beach are locally distinctive in some places.

To be completed at a later date.

Historic development :

A semi-natural landscape that lacks formal enclosure. Some dune grassland was historically utilised for rough grazing, but much of the area has been subject to continuous coastal movements in the historical period.

Perceptions

Tranquility:

An empty, uncluttered landscape but can be busy with visitors in summer and national holidays.

Views:

A natural, visually simple, open landscape, often windswept and exposed to the elements.