Other Coastal Habitat

What are the main challenges for plants living on the Sidmouth coastline outside of the shingle beach?



Plants in these areas face similar challenges to those on the shingle beach, including a lack of fresh water, poor nutrient soil, scorching sun, storms, and high salt concentrations.

How do the root systems of plants differ in these non-shingle coastal habitats compared to shingle dwellers?



Unlike shingle dwellers with deep taproots for stability and moisture extraction, plants in these other habitats typically have short, clustered roots to find a niche and grip wherever possible.

Why are the sandstone cliff faces generally devoid of vegetation?



Sandstone cliff faces lack suitable points for plants to get a strong enough grip to withstand abrasive winds. They are also constantly eroding, preventing plant establishment.

Where are plants most likely to establish themselves near the sandstone cliffs?


Plants may establish themselves at the foot of the cliffs where rock falls have occurred. Some plants may have fallen with the rock from the cliff top.

Can any plants survive on the newly constructed sea defences made of imported granite rocks?


No land-based plants can live directly on these granite sea defences due to constant wave attack. However, some lichen, typically black, tar-like species, can manage to establish themselves.

What opportunities do sea walls and buildings near the beach provide for plant life?


Sea walls and buildings offer opportunities through small ledges and the softer mortar bonding bricks and stones. Plants like Rock samphire and rock sea-spurrey can establish themselves in these spots, despite the challenging conditions.

What types of plants can be found in the pavement and road areas between the sea defences and the cliffs/buildings?


Where small quantities of soil collect and rainwater accumulates in these areas, plants like Danish scurvy-grass, other hardy 'weeds', and even dandelions can find a home.

What are some dominant plants found on walls along the sea front, particularly in human-made environments?


Main beneficiary plants in these human-made environments are often garden plants imported as rockery plants. Wall daisy (Mexican fleabane) and ivy-leaved toadflax are amongst the most dominant on walls, but only where protected from direct saltwater exposure.