🌊Coastal habitat Studland bay Case Study

Question 1

Info

Answer 1

In Dorset
Southern end of bay is being eroded
Heathland behind the beach is a SSSI 
Popular tourist destination 
1.5 million a year

Question 2

Wildlife found there

Answer 2

Reptiles like adders and lizards
They have thick scaly skin to reduce water loss and protect them from rough undergrowth on heathland
Birds like shelducks
Fish like sea horses - only place in UK
Grebes- birds that dive underwater to find food in sea and their feet are far back on their bodies to help them dive

Question 3

Habitats there

Answer 3

Marram grass- folded leaves to reduce water loss as transpiration is common in sand dunes also long roots to stabilise
Lyme grass- waxy leaves to reduce water loss
The bay is sheltered from erosive waves but not down south

Low shrubs and small trees allow butterflies and small animals to survive

Question 4

Issues and Solutions

Answer 4

Lots of people walk across the sand dunes which causes erosion - boardwalks are put on dunes, signs have been put up to educate and some dunes have been fenced off with marram grass planted as this stabilises the sand

Hundreds of boats anchors are destroying seahorse habitat- sea horses are protected by law so boat owners are told not to damage sea grass

Heathland behind dunes can be damaged by fires caused by cigarettes etc - national trust is educating visitors on dangers of causing fire and has provided fire beaters

Visitors need somewhere to park and shops- shop cafe and toilets are provided near car parks to focus tourists in one area