Sea kale is a cabbage like plant that lives for many years. Older plants may reach several meters in diameter! The sea kale has small white flowers from May to August but they only start to come after the plant is around 5 years old.
Sea Kale grows on the upper part of shingle beaches in the National Park. You can see them at Calshot, Lepe or Keyhaven beaches.
The leaves have a thick waxy covering which keeps them waterproof and prevents water loss through evaporation. This allows them to survive dry conditions. They are also able to tolerate very salty conditions, which means they are perfectly adapted for life on the beach!
Producer: As a green plant sea kale produces its energy by the process of photosynthesis.
Rising sea levels represent a big threat to coastal habitats and species. Within the National Park saline lagoons and salt marshes are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and could be lost completely. Litter is also a big problem on the coast.
Why not take part in ‘Beachwatch’ litter pick events - these are held every autumn by the Marine Conservation Society.