Unvegetated shingle ridges are an important component of the geomorphological make-up of the NNR and develop when sand ridges are overlaid with coarser material up to small pebble size.  On this stretch of coast there is also a high shell fragment content.  Much of these linear ridges have built up so they are only covered by the highest spring tides - some areas are not covered.  Coarse shingle is characterised by a general absence of vegetation, that which is present is usually associated with the strandline or embryo dunes beyond the level of regular tidal inundation.  The shingle features at Gibraltar Point contrast with other shingle habitats in the region which are recognised for specific shingle vegetation communities for example at Snettisham and Blakeney Point.

The development of open shingle ridges keeps pace with the succession to embryo dune to landward.  The attributes for this feature largely relate to their suitability for important breeding and roosting bird populations.  Extent and height are critical.