Dungeness

Dungeness is the headland of a shingle beach on the Romney Marsh in Kent, England. It is also given to a "village" situated along the beach: and to an important ecological site on the same location.

Ecology

The name Dungeness derives from Old Norse nes: "headland", with the first part probably connected with the nearby Denge Marsh. Popular etymology ascribes a French origin to the toponym, giving an interpretation as "dangerous nose".

Related Topics:
Old Norse - Popular etymology

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dungeness is one of the largest expanses of shingle in the world. It is of international conservation importance for its geomorphology, plant and invertebrate communities and birdlife. This is recognised and protected in large part through its conservation designations - National Nature Reserve (NNR), Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

There is a remarkable and unique variety of wildlife living at Dungeness. Over 600 different types of plant (a third of all those found in Britain). It is one of the best places in Britain to find insects such as moths, bees, beetles and spiders; many of these are very rare, some found nowhere else in Britain.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The flooded gravel pits, both brackish and fresh water, provide an important refuge for many migratory and coastal bird species. The RSPB have a bird sanctuary there and every year thousands of bird watchers descend on the peninsula to catch a glimpse of rare birds. There is also a bird observatory.

Related Topics:
RSPB - Bird observatory

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~