Feature/Facility 2 - Intertidal
mud and sandflats
Description
The Gibraltar Point sector of the Wash includes some three miles of coastline comprising
a pattern
of intertidal mud and sand. Due to the shallow shelving nature of the coastline, there is a broad
sub- littoral zone. The key areas are unvegetated although marine algae may be extensive on the
mudflats and Salicornia represents the pioneer stage of saltmarsh development at the upper
reaches.
To the south, extensive mudflats are contiguous with the Wash, interrupted only by
the course of
the Steeping River which demarcates the southern boundary of the NNR. The Steeping outflow
provides an input of freshwater, silts and nutrients. The development of the flats has been assisted
by kidding which was instated during the 1920’s-40’s. Evidence of this is visible during periods of
scour.
Favourable Status
That existing extent of mud and sandflats are perpetuated on the site and are, as
far as possible
kept free from pollution and disturbance.
