Dawlish Warren Coastal Habitat - Case Study

Background

Dawlish Warren is a spit located on the Exe Estuary on the south coast of Devon. It is an important holiday resort.

Sand Dunes

At Dawlish Warren, the spit is protected by sand dunes. Sand dunes have vegetation that is adapted to a coastal habitat. On the smallest dune which is closest to the sea it is very salty and there is little fresh water (an embryo dune). There are plants here such as sand twitch and sea couch grass. These grow close to the ground so they don't get damaged by the wind. They also have waxy leaves which helps to store water. The next dune inland, there is the yellow…