Country diary: A trio of butterflies mingle in the shingle | Claire Stares

Hayling Island, Hampshire: A profusion of sea kale on the beach has attracted the attention of three small whites - two males competing for the attention of a femaleFor many people who favour traditional seaside holidays, there's something slightly disappointing about a shingle beach. No sandcastles, no burying your toes in the soft, sun-warmed grains. Just hard pebbles underfoot, clattering as the waves wash in and out.But shingle does have some advantages beyond a grit-free picnic. At Hayling Island, long stretches of sand are exposed at low tide; above the high-tide mark, however, it is now maintained through the placement of shingle via beach recycling to absorb wave energy and provide natural protection against coastal erosion. More than this, the well-drained, nutrient-poor pebble substrate provides a perfect habitat for plants adapted to thrive in harsh conditions. Continue reading...