Folkestone and Dover Water Services Ltd abstract water from the aquifer of Dungeness to provide water to the coastal communities between Lydd and Hythe. Increased demand for water – some 2 million gallons a day, has resulted in a 370% increase in abstraction since 1960. The freshwater accounts for the exceptional biodiversity of Dungeness - so maintaining a balance between wildlife and human requirements, is essential.

There are no rivers or streams in the area; rainwater drains quickly through the shingle so there are few areas of natural surface water. Gravel extraction has created areas of open water in the old gravel pits, and there is now close cooperation between the gravel extractors and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), to produce ’natura1’ habitats for wildlife.

On Dungeness, the RSPB manage close on 1,000 hectares, of which they own 650 hectares. Different habitats – freshwater wetlands, seashore, ancient and recent shingle ridges mean there is a wide variety of plant and animal life within the Reserve.

At least 300 bird species are listed with 180 bird species recorded annually. Some 430 plant species, 250 species of moths and butterflies (including the rare Sussex Emerald Green butterfly), more species of bumble bee than elsewhere in Britain, the largest colony of medicinal leeches, a wide variety of insects and thousands of invertibrates are all to be found in this unique area.