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Rocky shoreSandy beachCoastal sand dunesCliff top grasslandsPebble and Shingle shores
Meet our Wildlife
Meet our Wildlife

Coastal Habitats

Rocky shore

Our rocky shores, characterised by the presence of cliffs, boulders, and rocky outcrops, provide a diverse range of microhabitats for several species of animals and plants.

Rockpools are heavily influenced by the constant ebb and flow of the tide meaning that changes in air, sunlight exposure and temperature can make them challenging environments. Despite this, they are rich in biodiversity and are home to a variety of algae, seaweed, crustaceans and fish species.

During low tide, our rocky shores also provide important feeding grounds for our wading birds, allowing them to forage on prey species that become exposed with the tidal cycle. These foraging opportunities disappear as the tide rises and the rocks become submerged again, meaning the birds only have a limited time to feed per day. Reducing disturbance to birds in these habitats is therefore crucial for their energy intake and survival.

Sandy beaches

Whilst our sandy beaches are a hotspot for leisure activities and recreation, they are also a vital coastal habitat and play an important role in coastal ecosystem functioning.

They act as a buffer against coastal erosion, absorb wave energy and are home to a wide variety of microorganisms and invertebrates that are well adapted to life beneath the sand. These invertebrates are a vital food source for our shorebirds. Sanderling and Dunlin can often be seen running between the waves along the shoreline as they eagerly probe their bills into the sand to find small insects and worms.

Due to the tidal cycle, the birds only have a limited amount of time to forage and build up their energy reserves. Disturbance from people and dogs often means birds are forced to abandon feeding and take flight in order to move away from the threat. This impacts on their energy levels and can have a detrimental effect on their health, reproduction and long-term survival rates. Always follow the COAST code when walking along sandy beaches and remember to never allow your dog to approach or chase birds.

Sand dunes

Sand dunes are an incredibly important habitat and play a key role in protecting our coastline, reducing the impacts of flooding and erosion on inland communities and habitats.

They can support a diverse number of specialised plant species and provide shelter for invertebrates and small mammals. Unfortunately, our dunes are vulnerable to the effects of human disturbance as trampling and fire damage can impact on vegetation growth and expansion.

A small section of sand dune habitat remains in situ on Seaburn Beach. Wooden fencing was erected in 2023 by COAST Sunderland in an effort to reduce the impact of trampling on the dunes system in this area. The benefits of this fencing can already be seen, with increased grass and plant growth occurring in areas that had previously been heavily trampled.

Vegetated Sea cliffs

Vegetated sea cliffs extend along the North Sea coastline for over 20 km from South Shields southwards to Blackhall Rocks in Seaham.

This is the only example of vegetated sea cliffs on magnesium limestone rock in the UK, making it an incredibly special and important habitat to conserve. The vegetation found along the cliffs are unique in the British Isles and consist of a complex mosaic of species rich plant communities and in particular wildflower meadows. These communities are largely maintained by natural processes including exposure to sea spray, erosion and slippage of the soft magnesian limestone bedrock.

Our vegetated sea cliffs are designated as internationally important under the Durham Special Protection Area.