Dungeness Beach

This vast expanse of shingle on the edge of Romney Marsh has an almost surreal quality. The otherwise flat and bleak landscape is punctuated by two lighthouses and the hulking form of the Dungeness nuclear power station.

There are many odd things about Dungeness, not least the environment. It is one of the most unique habitats in Britain and is technically classified as a desert. Despite this it is home to a wealth of wildlife including 600 species of plant and any number of rare insects.

Angling is popular here, particularly a spot known as the “patch” or “boil”. This is where heated water and sewage is pumped out of the power station creating an oasis of sealife.

One of Dungeness’s best known sights is Prospect Cottage with its driftwood garden. This was the home to film director Derek Jarman’s but is typical of the wooden dwellings along the coast here.