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'''Spurn''' is a narrow sand ] on the tip of the coast of ] , ] that reaches into ] and forms the north bank of the mouth of the ] estuary. It is over 5 km long, almost half of the width of the estuary at that point and a little as 45 |
'''Spurn''' is a narrow sand ] on the tip of the coast of ] , ] that reaches into the ] and forms the north bank of the mouth of the ] estuary. It is over 5 km long, almost half of the width of the estuary at that point and a little as 45 metres wide. | ||
Spurn |
Spurn, a designated ], is a nature reserve, owned since 1960 by the ] and covering 113 ]s above high water and 181 hectares of foreshore. The mud flats are an important feeding ground for ], and the area is a significant site in Europe for observing ] ]s. | ||
This process is assisted by east winds in autumn resulting in ] of ]n migrants, sometimes resulting in a spectacular "fall" of thousands of birds. | This process is assisted by east winds in autumn resulting in ] of ]n migrants, sometimes resulting in a spectacular "fall" of thousands of birds. |
Revision as of 21:04, 14 December 2003
Spurn is a narrow sand spit on the tip of the coast of Yorkshire , England that reaches into the North Sea and forms the north bank of the mouth of the Humber estuary. It is over 5 km long, almost half of the width of the estuary at that point and a little as 45 metres wide.
Spurn, a designated Heritage Coast, is a nature reserve, owned since 1960 by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and covering 113 hectares above high water and 181 hectares of foreshore. The mud flats are an important feeding ground for wading birds, and the area is a significant site in Europe for observing migrating birds.
This process is assisted by east winds in autumn resulting in drift migration of Scandinavian migrants, sometimes resulting in a spectacular "fall" of thousands of birds.
Many uncommon species have been sighted there, including once a Black-browed Albatross. More commonly, birds such as wheatears, Whinchats, Common Redstarts and flycatchers alight at Spurn on their way to breeding grounds elsewhere. The peninsula is made up from sand and shingle eroded from the Holderness coastline washed down the coastline from Flamborough Head.
Material is washed up by waves to form a long, narrow embankment in the sheltered waters inside the mouth of the Humber estuary. It is maintained by plants, especially Marram grass (Ammophila arenaria). Waves carry material along the peninsula to the tip, continually extending it. However, as the peninsual grows, it narrows.
Spurn has a 250-year cycle of destruction and reconstruction, as the sea cuts across the peninsula, and everything beyond the breach is swept away, only to eventually reform as a new spit pointing further south.
External links
- Spurn Head Heritage Coast
- Spurn Point- A cyclic coastal landform, showing an excellent aerial photograph
- http://www.spurnpoint.com/