How is the Spurn spit being rebuilt after the 2013 tidal surge?

Nature is rebuilding the Spurn spit through longshore drift, a process where the sea deposits eroded materials from the north, gradually reconstructing the landform.

What role do grazing animals play at Spurn spit?

Grazing animals are used to control invasive buckthorn, which helps prevent the proliferation of brown-tail moths and creates space for native plants like orchids.

What impact did the 2013 tidal surge have on Spurn spit?

The 2013 tidal surge washed away the only road, destroyed sand dunes, and significantly damaged wildlife habitats on the Spurn spit.

Home / Environment / Nature Reclaims Spurn Spit After Devastating Surge

Nature Reclaims Spurn Spit After Devastating Surge

7 Feb

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Summary

Nature is actively rebuilding the Spurn spit, which was split by a 2013 tidal surge.
Longshore drift naturally deposits eroded material, aiding the spit's regeneration.
Grazing animals help control invasive buckthorn, benefiting native flora and fauna.

Nature Reclaims Spurn Spit After Devastating Surge

A significant natural regeneration is underway on the Spurn spit in East Yorkshire, a crucial coastal feature damaged over a decade ago. The massive tidal surge of 2013, one of the most severe since 1953, washed away the only access road and devastated sand dunes and wildlife habitats.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, managing the site, has observed nature actively rebuilding the spit. The primary driver of this recovery is longshore drift, a natural coastal process where the sea redeposits eroded materials from the north, gradually reconstructing the spit.

Beyond natural landform repair, wildlife management strategies are also in place. Grazing animals are introduced during autumn and winter to consume invasive buckthorn. This control measure prevents the buckthorn from supporting the brown-tail moth, which can cause skin irritation, while also clearing space for native grassland species and orchids to thrive.