A new extensive coastline study is predicting large changes regarding the make up of Britain’s coastal habitat. It really could be a case of all change as creeping erosion and flooding bring new species to our shores with the warmer weather, while our more recognisable inhabitants battle to hang on to house and home.
One popular coastal critter that could be in danger is the bat, says the National Trust, that conducted the study over 707 miles of coastline across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The dark cave dweller may be at risk if cliff caves in which they roost are suddenly inundated with more water, though they could benefit from the warmer weather, which allows them to extend their range.
Holy water batman.
Generally wading birds and more specifically the Sandhill rustic moth, which is found in just one site in Cornwall where a shingle bar blocks an inland freshwater pool, are also likely to suffer because of changing climate and tides.
“This is having, and will have, a major impact on the wildlife and habitats that stretch all the way around our coast - both marine and terrestrial,'’ says Adam Woodhall, a Natiotal Trust coastal risk assessment officer.
Another creature that may be affected is the grey seal that brings up its pups on isolated shingle beaches. Higher tides could put their youngsters at greater risk of being washed away.
It’s not all bad news though. In the future climate change is likely to be kind to basking sharks, the little egret - a Mediterranean member of the heron family, the Glanville fritillary butterfly and the Celtic sea slug.
