Attributes & Limits
1. Extent is a very difficult attribute as the factors controlling the dune formation
are largely beyond
control. A baseline measurement of the current resource can be taken from the NVC survey and
this can be related to the proportion of the whole dune resource. The length (m) and area (ha) of
embryonic shifting dunes will be measured at least once per reporting cycle in July/Aug and %
area supporting at least sparse embryonic dune vegetation. Aerial photos will assist in determining
the extent of the resource. It is unlikely that there will never be any of this habitat type on the
site
during the life of this plan.
- Target: As with the other dynamic
coastal habitats there is a target for no net loss,
although it is inevitable that the location of the embryo dunes will change over time.
2. The volume of mobile sediment is an important issue for the perpetuation of the
feature.
Similarly, the grade of sand will have a bearing on its mobility and thus dune-building under
favourable wind conditions.
- Target: There should be no deviation
in substrate volume, from an established baseline
to be determined by English Nature, subject to natural change.
3. An important aspect of this habitat is its ability to modify its distribution
in response to natural
dynamic coastal processes. Introduction of physical constraints would reduce the extent of this
community and affect the overall structure of the embryonic dune communities.
- Target: There should be no physical
constraint imposed by introduced structures or
landforms.
4. Embryo dunes will be surveyed at least once during the reporting cycle, for the
presence of key
species/NVC communities.
- Target: There should be no significant
deviation in coverage of key species/NVC
communities from the baseline established by the 1999 NVC survey.
