Coastal Shingle

If you walk along the beaches of Sidmouth and the surrounding Devon coast, you aren't walking on fine desert sand, but on coastal shingle. These smooth, rounded stones—often called beach pebbles—are a vital part of our coastal ecosystem.

1. How is Shingle Formed?

Shingle is the result of the sea acting like a giant rock tumbler.

• Erosion: Larger rocks are broken down by powerful wave action.

• Smoothing: Waves and currents move these fragments around, rubbing them against the seabed and each other.

• Rounding: This constant friction wears down the sharp edges until the stones are perfectly rounded and smooth.

2. Where Does Sidmouth’s Shingle Come From?

The origins of beach pebbles vary greatly depending on where you stand.

• Local Sources: Much of the shingle on Devon's beaches is derived directly from our local bedrock, specifically the limestone and sandstone cliffs we have explored in this series.

• Exotic Travelers: Interestingly, some shingle on the south coast of England has traveled massive distances. Some pebbles originated in the Alps and were transported to our shores by glaciers during the last ice age.

3. Nature’s Shock Absorber

Shingle isn't just a feature for tourists; it is a critical defense mechanism for the town.

• Energy Absorption: The shingle bank forms a natural barrier that absorbs the raw energy of crashing waves.

• Coastal Protection: By soaking up this power, the shingle protects our fragile mudstone cliffs and the town itself from rapid erosion.

• Human Use: Because it is so durable, shingle is often used in construction for seawalls and groynes to further strengthen coastal defenses.

4. A Unique Habitat

Despite the harsh, salty environment, shingle beaches are teeming with life.

• Nesting Birds: Specialist birds, such as oystercatchers and turnstones, rely on these beaches for feeding.

• Plant Life: Hardy plants and various small animals have adapted to live in the spaces between the stones.