On the first day of the project at Hengistbury Head, we have to investigate the physical and natural changes to the beach and cliff landscape. We have to investigate the usage of the land at Hengistbury Head, and mention all the physical features and coastal defences that are present at Hengistbury Head. We must also note down all the human features present at the location such as management, archaeological sites, footpaths, car parks and cafes. We must also include the affect of tourists, the sea and weather to the cliffs and beach. Hengistbury Head is a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) and a LNR (Local Nature Reserve), we have to investigate the reasons why it needs to be protected.
On the second day of the project, we have to detail the features of the landscape and the affect of humans towards it. We must investigate the different types of cliff erosion, their affects on the landscape, how they are caused and what is being down to prevent this erosion. We also have to investigate the amount of people who visit the area and how the amounts of tourists influence the protection and conservation of the site. We also must note down the environmental aspects and quality of Hengistbury Head that helps to protect the area from erosion and pollution by humans, and how weather affects the amount of erosion of the cliff.
HUMAN AND NATURAL EFFECTS AT HENGISTBURY HEAD
The physical processes that affect the landscape and the erosion of Hengistbury head are the managements of shops and other buildings and sites that attract tourists to the area. This causes the landscape to be affected by the large number of tourists that visit the beach and cliffs.
The processes that humans and the weather cause are threatening the rate of erosion and damages of Hengistbury Head’s coast and cliffs. Buildings that have been built to attract people to the visit the place cause the pollution and damage the landscape. Cliff erosion at Hengistbury Head is mainly caused by weathering more than the effect of the sea. Most of the cliffs are eroded by the process of slumping due to the rain.
IMPORTANCE OF HENGISTBURY HEAD
Hengistbury head is an important place and needs to be protected because it is a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), meaning it is a notable geological site that is considered to be worthy of legal protection. Hengistbury Head is not just a beach with cliffs, it is also the only piece of open land along the coast and is a LNR (Local Nature Reserve). Hengistbury Head contains many SAM’s (Scheduled Ancient Monument), such as the Double Dykes built over 2000 years ago by the Celts, and many other sites from the Bronze and Stone Ages.
LOCATION
Hengistbury Head is located in Christchurch Bay on the southern coast of England, near the Isle of Wight.
The first map on the next page gives a detailed picture of what is at Hengistbury Head, showing the Nature Reserve, the Double Dykes and groynes. The second map is an aerial view of Hengistbury Head.
