Gibraltar Point NNR is one of only two UK sites (cf Saltfleetby - Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR) to achieve international recognition for its Hippophae scrub community, although the two sites constitute a single SAC.  On the NNR, all growth phases of sea buckthorn are represented, from colonisation of yellow dune to senescent stands on the mature dunes.  Management aims to ensure the continuation of the extent and age classes of the sea buckthorn scrub community, with reconciling favourable condition of the important dune grassland communities where scrub encroachment may compromise this special interest.

Thus in areas where management aims have been to maintain or restore the extent of species rich grey dune, slack or yellow dune, sea buckthorn has invariably been cleared or managed to defined limits.  Any large scale clearance proposal needs to consider the dioecious nature of the plant. Routine control is achieved by pulling and cutting new growth where main blocks are expanding through suckering.  Although there is a risk that the dynamism of the system is lost in terms of the transitional ecotone from grassland to scrub, compensation for this loss can be achieved by replicating the colonisation phase via coppicing at the scrub:grassland interface.  Management blocks of grassland and scrub need to be tangible in extent but a patchwork of scrub and grassland provides the diversity of micro-habitats to suit invertebrate and bird communities particularly at the scrub /grassland interface.  Hence the management of grassland rides  through the scrub blocks under a mowing or grazing regime will ensure the maintenance of linear ecotone.

Measures’ 40 acres is one of the best examples of Hippophae scrub with areas of closed canopy and even age growth.  A historic ride system has been reinstated through the scrub which has restored several hundred metres of scrub/grassland ecotone.  Rides have hitherto been managed by annual mowing but the instatement of stock-fencing has permitted cattle grazing for the first time in summer 2002. 'Scrub-grazing' is discussed by Gough, but there are few guidelines. It is envisaged that the action of cattle will help to break up the scrub blocks and enhance the development of a patchwork of scrub and grassland. This move towards managing large areas with livestock over long periods is preferable as it replicates a 'natural' regime and reduces the need for labour-intensive operations with machinery.

In 2002, research was commissioned by English Nature into favourable condition for the sea buckthorn scrub community. A series of reccommendations were made (Dargie) and later modified by EN and LWT staff. Four regimes were agreed, as follows.

Clearance

In order to redress the balance of scrub to open grey dune and yellow dune, areas were identified where scrub clearance would take place. This is discussed further under those respective features.

Non-intervention

Several areas of mature scrub in the southern half of the NNR were identified, which would be left to develop naturally without intervention ( except for the eradication of non-native sp). Most of these show a predomination of elder and hawthorn.

Scrub-grazing

Where the actions of livestock will be permitted to influence the scrub structure and develop a patchwork of scrub and grassland. See section above concerning 'Measures'.

Coppicing

Where blocks of scrub will be coppiced down to ground level in both young and old dune systems to perpetuate this community and diversify the age range.

A scrub coppice programme has already been initiated in Measure’s, to perpetuate the Hippophae and to improve the structural diversity of the system.  This is quite small scale, involving the coppicing of one acre per year on a 20 year rotation.  In each block, 75% of the scrub is coppiced. Cut brash is burnt off and some used as dead hedging.  The old woody trunks clearly support an abundant deadwood fauna.  Often, there is little regrowth from older specimens.  At times, regrowth has been browsed by rabbits unless coppiced high.  In addition to diversifying the canopy structure, and rejuvenating the scrub, the coppice regime liberates extensive bare ground, before a sward closes in around three years and the canopy becomes established once more.

The coppice programme is fairly experimental and small scale at present, having been only implemented since 1995/6, early results look promising.  At Saltfleetby, coppicing has been practised since 1991 and good results have been achieved. The expansion of the scrub coppice regime will include blocks on the outer ridge system, the East Dunes and the West Dunes. These will be initiated during this plan period. Priority areas for coppicing will be those, where Hippophe is already posing a threat to grey dune communities. Thus future flexibility is expected on whether to persist with a 25 year coppice regime or whether total clearance is chosen a s the preferred option in a future plan.

Coppicing at the fringes of scrub blocks will be practised to replicate the pioneer phase of growth where suckers are eradicated when encroaching into grey dune communities.

The majority of scrub dunes at the north end of the NNR have been allowed to develop a natural response.  The condition of the scrub is generally favourable, but in the future, a coppice programme may be worth considering, not least to provide some firebreaks as well as for diversifying scrub structure.  However clematis is becoming dominant in parts.  This sprawling plant literally smothers scrub, to its detriment.  It is important to establish the status of this species.  It may be a native component of the dune flora.  However, at Saltfleetby, the species is regarded as a garden escape and is actively managed (Smith 2000).  Garden escapes at Gibraltar Point have previously included extensive lesser periwinkle amongst scrub along the West Dunes, from dumping of garden waste at middle car park.  This is now mostly managed although some snowberry and periwinkle persists. 

Within the scrub community, elder and hawthorn can be co-dominant or even dominant over sea buckthorn.  Where extensive sea buckthorn has been succeeded a management response may be initiated.  Favourable condition for this scrub community is presently being researched and will direct future management accordingly.  In certain areas the presence of sycamore shows the transition from scrub to sub-maritime woodland.  This is tolerated within defined limits eg the sycamore plot in the West Dunes as example of succession.  Elsewhere colonisation by sycamore is undesirable and it is removed.  Existing sycamore standards do however provide an abundant seed source and future management will be required on an annual basis to clear saplings in adjacent areas.

In dune slack, the dominance of sallow Salix caprea has seen the loss of some Hippophae scrub through shading under the natural successional process. The importance of dune slack and its maintenance and restoration requires that sea buckthorn scrub community is controlled in such areas (see humid dune slack feature).

Other tree species which have impinged on areas of dune scrub include corsican and lodgepole pine which have been planted along the West Dunes and at Aylmer Avenue.  Those on the West dunes have been eradicated, but at Aylmer Avenue, they serve as a screen to the small area of housing and their presence is considered acceptable in this respect.  Any further establishment of seedlings will be kept in check.

Outside of the NNR, sea buckthorn scrub is present on the roadside strip west of Measures and adjoining Croftmarsh Field 6.  This marginal field has been in long-term set-aside and it is interesting to note that sea buckthorn has been actively colonising here.

A scrub management overview map is appended.