Spits and beaches are the most exposed habitats. Only a few hardy species can survive the wind, waves, salt spray, moving sand, summer heat, dryness and low food supply. Decomposing seaweeds and animal matter washed up by the tides are major sources of nutrients.

Seabeach-sandwort has fleshy leaves and stems which store water and resist sandblasting. Cacti have similar adaptations. Honkenya peploides Cakile edentula Sea-rocket has seed-pods in two parts to double its chances of reproduction. The top half breaks off and floats to a new site. The bottom half stays attached to the plant and germinates there.

Lake Wallace:

A brackish lake on South Beach, Lake Wallace's inhabitants must tolerate extreme and sudden changes in salt content and temperature. In winter, storm waves flood the lake with salt water, causing it to stretch for 8 km (5 miles). In summer, it shrinks to one kilometre in length.