Coastal Habitats

Dynamic Coastal Ecosystems

Coastal habitats are constantly evolving ecosystems encompassing cliffs, salt marshes, sandy beaches, dunes and mudflats. Each of these environments plays an important role in supporting a diverse range of wildlife while also providing natural coastal protection.

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Wildlife and Coastal Habitats

The cliffs along Britain’s coastline support many seabirds during the breeding season, including Puffins, Gannets, Guillemots and Razorbills. Mudflats and salt marshes act as natural flood defences while also filtering pollutants and providing vital feeding grounds for waders and wildfowl.

Sand dunes, formed and stabilised by grasses such as marram, also play an essential role in protecting coastal landscapes from erosion and flooding.

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Climate Change and Coastal Erosion

However, climate change is accelerating the erosion of many coastal habitats. Rising sea levels, warming oceans and increasingly frequent storms are placing growing pressure on Britain’s coastline, causing significant changes to these fragile environments.

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As coastal erosion intensifies, the impact on wildlife is becoming increasingly visible, particularly for seabirds that rely on cliffs and coastal habitats during the breeding season.

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Through Photography

Through photography, I aim to document both the beauty and vulnerability of these landscapes, highlighting the importance of protecting the habitats and species that depend upon them.

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