SW England Research Articles

On the verge? Preferential use of road-facing hedgerow margins by bumblebees in agro-ecosystems

The global pollinator decline is commonly linked to modern intensive farming practices, partly because excessive herbicide and fertilizer use is thought to reduce pollinator food plant availability. This effect is particularly obvious across crop-/non-crop boundaries, but no study has compared pollinator and food plant abundance on adjacent crop- and roadside margins. We compared bumblebee abundance along 30 hedgerows in SW England; bordered either side by roads and arable fields (cultivated with wheat, barley, oilseed rape, or beans). Total bumblebee abundance along roadsides was over twice that observed on adjacent crop-facing margins, irrespective of crop type and this general pattern was apparent for three of the five most common bumblebee species, including generalist and specialist foragers. Both the total number of flowering plant species and the floral abundance of three of the five most visited plants was also higher on roadsides; minor variation between-crops was localised and unrelated to margin orientation. We conclude that organic farming may offer some advantages for pollinator conservation since it reduces field margin exposure to agro-chemical inputs. However, since conventional farming will remain central to global food production, modifications to current practices (such as the use of wildflower strips) are needed and may have ancillary benefits for pollinators by protecting arable margins from disturbance and agro-chemicals. In addition, the fact that the roadsides were demonstrably better habitats for pollinators and their food plants than field-facing margins underscores the widespread suggestion that roadside verges should be utilised more as a conservation tool to promote pollinator biodiversity.

Geology and landscape in SW England in the late eighteenth century, as recorded in the travel journals of William George Maton (1774–1840)

Abstract In the summer of 1794 William George Maton, together with his friends Charles Hatchett and Thomas Rackett, embarked on a tour into Cornwall visiting the more southerly parts of Dorset and Devon en route . Rackett and Maton completed a second tour two years later, covering the rest of Dorset and Devon together with Somerset. An account of the tours was subsequently published by Maton, providing a contemporary description of SW England during the latter part of the eighteenth century. This was perhaps the first description of the region by scientifically aware travellers. They explored valleys, descended mines, visited smelters and collected minerals and must be regarded as among the earliest geotourists. Many sites which they visited, such as Roche Rock in Cornwall, Kent's Cavern in Devon and Wookey Hole in Somerset, became major attractions for geoscientists in the following centuries. Discussions in the text suggest that the travellers looked at the rocks with neptunist eyes. Maton summarized the geological and mineralogical references on a map which used shading with lines rather than colour to differentiate individual strata. Although rudimentary and inaccurate, the map is of considerable historic importance.

A development of ecological risk screening with an application to fisheries off SW England

Abstract A development of the ecological risk screening (ERS) technique, scale intensity and consequence analysis (SICA), is described and application to the varied fisheries and ecosystem off the southwest of England on behalf of an industry steering group (SG) is summarized. The purpose was to prioritize ecological risks systematically and consistently in relation to policy goals agreed by the SG. Scientists listed and advised on ecosystem components, their units (individual species, stocks, habitats, or communities) and attributes, as well as agents of change in the SW, their activities, and generalized effects relevant to the policy goals. A working group (WG) of fishers, fishery observers, technical advisors, and marine scientists paired each unit with the activity thought most likely to impact the most sensitive policy goal, then scored risk according to defined rules spatially, temporally, and as intensity and duration of effects. The geometric mean of the four scores, slightly adjusted for unscored factors if necessary, was the relative impact score (RIS). With this standardized method, the main aspects of risk were considered separately and independently, thereby assisting objective prioritization. Nineteen unit–activity pairs were listed as priority risks (RIS >3) in the SW region during a 2-d meeting that fully exploited the wide range of information and experience available at the WG. Socio-economics was not considered. The ERS for the SW was designed to be compatible with other similar ERSs that might be carried out for neighbouring marine regions. ERS can minimize extra monitoring needed for ecosystem management and, in principle, collaborating non-fishery agents of change could be included. By engaging all stakeholders in the setting of initial priorities for action and by assembling all available sources of information, ERS offers a useful starting point for holistic ecosystem management.

Crystal chemistry and surface configurations of two polylithionite-1M crystals

This paper explores the crystal chemical features of the bulk and the outermost (001) surface layers of two trioctahedral Li-rich mica-1 M (space group C 2) polytypes, i.e., a polylithionite (MLG-114) from Li-mica granitic pegmatite at St. Austell (SW England) and a Fe 2+ -rich polylithionite (Ch-140) from a rhyolite at Profitis Ilias, Chios Island, Greece. Structural formulas are [xii] (K 0.952 Na 0.019 Rb 0.019 ) [vi] (Al 1.034 Li 1.459 Fe 0. 2+ 389 Fe 0. 3+ 046 Mn 0.038 Mg 0.002 Zn 0.002 Ti 0.001 ) [iv] (Al 0. 3+ 477 Si 3.523 )O 10.081 (F 1.735 OH 0.184 ) and [xii] (K 0.992 Na 0.014 ) [vi] (Al 0.980 Li 1.028 Fe 0. 2+ 787 Fe 0. 3+ 022 Mn 0.059 Mg 0.052 Zn 0.010 Ti 0.024 ) [iv] (Al 0. 3+ 857 Si 3.143 ) O 10.095 (F 1.617 OH 0.288 ) for MLG-114 and Ch-140, respectively. Each mineral is characterized by a high F content in the anion site and has tetrahedral and octahedral compositions related to the exchange vector [vi] Li −1 [iv] Si −1 [vi] Fe 2+ [iv] Al. Unit-cell dimensions are a = 5.251(1), b = 9.066(2), c = 10.087(2) A; β = 100.694(5)° for polylithionite MLG-114 and a = 5.282(1), b = 9.121(3), c = 10.080(3) A; β = 100.764(5)° for Ch-140. Crystal structure refinements (agreement factors are R = 3.58% and 3.75% for MLG-114 and Ch-140, respectively) demonstrate that the [vi] Li −1 [vi] Fe 2+ [iv] Si −1 [iv] Al exchange vector produces a decrease in the lateral dimensions of the tetrahedral and octahedral sheets. The decrease in basal oxygen distances results from the effect of the strain caused by the orientation of opposing tetrahedral sheets within a 2:1 layer. The decrease reduces the strain so that the basal oxygen plane can remain nearly planar. Changes in these dimensions via distortions of the tetrahedral basal-oxygen ring (α = 3.3° and 4.1° for MLG-114 and Ch-140, respectively) are limited. Octahedral M1 and M3 sites are similar in size and much larger than M2 and the mean electron count is M3 Element concentrations on the (001) surface, obtained through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) high-resolution spectra for Si 2p , Al 2p , Fe 2p , K 2p , Li 1s , and F 1s core levels, indicate that a greater amount of lithium and a smaller amount of potassium characterize the surface with respect to the bulk. The decrease in K content, commonly observed in micas, is related to its location on the cleavage surface, because the cation must be distributed equally between the two (001) surfaces generated upon cleavage. The increase in Li content on or near the (001) cleavage surface suggests a preference for cleavage near lithium-enriched regions. The surface structure of the polylithionite crystals suggests that Al, Li, and Fe cations maintain coordination features at the surface similar to the bulk. Silicon, however, which is generally in fourfold coordination, shows also a small number of [1]-fold coordinated components at a binding energy of 99.85 eV.

A dearth of diplobathrids (Crinoidea) from the type Devonian System, SW England

Summary The diverse biota from the marine deposits of the type area of the Devonian System was monographed by the Reverend George Ferris Whidborne, MA, FGS (1846–1910) between 1889 and 1907. Most well-preserved specimens of crinoids are cladids or monobathrids from the Middle and Upper Devonian of south and north Devon, respectively. The camerate crinoids are dominated by the monobathrid Hexacrinites spp., known from many thecae and several nominal species from the Middle Devonian Torquay Limestone Formation; other monobathrids are moderately common in the Upper Devonian. The dicyclic diplobathrid camerates are less speciose and are commonly poorly preserved. Diplobathrids include Rhodocrinites ? sp. A (poor crown) and Rhodocrinites ? sp. B (columnals); Acanthocrinus sp. (spinose thecal plate); Gilbertsocrinus sp. A (columnals); non Rhipidocrinus crenatus (Goldfuss) (possibly a monobathrid crown); Thylacrinus ? sp. (fragment of theca); and rhodocrinitid? sp. indet. This is in stark contrast to the 5 genera and 9 nominal species of diplobathrids known from the lower Silurian, and the 3 genera and 14 nominal species in the Mississippian of the British Isles, many of which are known from multiple, well-preserved specimens. The potential reasons for this disparity are many, but must include lack of effort by collectors over the past 100+ years, limited outcrop area, poor preservation due to tectonic deformation and, probably, a genuine rarity of diplobathrids in the British Isles during the Devonian.

Disentangling Alcohol-Related Needs Among Pre-trial Prisoners: A Longitudinal Study.

To disentangle the alcohol-related needs of short stay, revolving door, male prisoners, and offer a theoretically driven but practical approach for allocation of scarce service resources. A prospective longitudinal interview, questionnaire and records study of pre-trial men newly imprisoned in Wales and SW England. Two hundred and forty-one pre-trial men completed an interview and questionnaires within a week of a new reception into prison; 170 completed follow-up 3 weeks later. Questions about problems with alcohol or illicit drugs revealed that problem drinkers were less likely than problem drug users to recognize their difficulty or seek or get help for this during their first month of imprisonment. Co-morbidity was common, but a third of the men had alcohol problems alone. Use of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire identified 80% (195/241) men likely to require some intervention, twice the number identified by direct questions relying on prisoners' judgment about problem use. Furthermore it allowed categorization according to likely risk (dependency), need (problem recognition) and responsivity (wish for help). Alcohol misuse is recognized, worldwide, as fuelling crime and more common among prisoners than the general population. In England and Wales, it is a particular factor in brief but recurrent periods of imprisonment. There have been calls to pay more attention to its use in this context, albeit without any increase in resources. Adding two questions to standard screening enables application of the risk-need-responsivity model to problem drinkers and may identify those most likely to benefit from treatment.

Disturbance to conserved bacterial communities in the cold-water gorgonian coral Eunicella verrucosa.

The bacterial communities associated with healthy and diseased colonies of the cold-water gorgonian coral Eunicella verrucosa at three sites off the south-west coast of England were compared using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and clone libraries. Significant differences in community structure between healthy and diseased samples were discovered, as were differences in the level of disturbance to these communities at each site; this correlated with depth and sediment load. The majority of cloned sequences from healthy coral tissue affiliated with the Gammaproteobacteria. The stability of the bacterial community and dominance of specific genera found across visibly healthy colonies suggest the presence of a specific microbial community. Affiliations included a high proportion of Endozoicomonas sequences, which were most similar to sequences found in tropical corals. This genus has been found in a number of invertebrates and is suggested to have a role in coral health and in the metabolisation of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) produced by zooxanthellae. However, screening of colonies for the presence of zooxanthellae produced a negative result. Diseased colonies showed a decrease in affiliated clones and an increase in clones related to potentially harmful/transient microorganisms but no increase in a particular pathogen. This study demonstrates that a better understanding of these bacterial communities, the factors that affect them and their role in coral health and disease will be of critical importance in predicting future threats to temperate gorgonian communities.

Biodynamic modelling of the bioaccumulation of trace metals (Ag, As and Zn) by an infaunal estuarine invertebrate, the clam Scrobicularia plana

Biodynamic modelling was used to investigate the uptake and accumulation of three trace metals (Ag, As, Zn) by the deposit feeding estuarine bivalve mollusc Scrobicularia plana. Radioactive labelling techniques were used to quantify the rates of trace metal uptake (and subsequent elimination) from water and sediment diet. The uptake rate constant from solution (±SE) was greatest for Ag (3.954±0.375lg−1d−1) followed by As (0.807±0.129lg−1d−1) and Zn (0.103±0.016lg−1d−1). Assimilation efficiencies from ingested sediment were 40.2±1.3% (Ag), 31.7±1.0% (Zn) and 25.3±0.9% (As). Efflux rate constants after exposure to metals in the solution or sediment fell in the range of 0.014–0.060d−1. By incorporating these physiological parameters into biodynamic models, our results showed that dissolved metal is the predominant source of accumulated Ag, As and Zn in S. plana, accounting for 66–99%, 50–97% and 52–98% of total accumulation of Ag, As and Zn, respectively, under different field exposure conditions. In general, model-predicted steady state concentrations of Ag, As and Zn matched well with those observed in clams collected in SW England estuaries. Our findings highlight the potential of biodynamic modelling to predict Ag, As and Zn accumulation in S. plana, taking into account specific dissolved and sediment concentrations of the metals at a particular field site, together with local water and sediment geochemistries.

Present and historical climate variability in South West England

West Cornwall is the most south westerly part of mainland United Kingdom with a strong maritime climate. This paper analyses the earliest archived instrumental meteorological records collected in West Cornwall (SW England). Observations were obtained from the Met Office archive (Camborne 1957–2010; Culdrose 1985–2011), Trengwainton Garden (1940–2010), and from the Royal Cornwall Polytechnic Society, (data for Falmouth (1880–1952) and Helston (1843–1888)). Homogeneity tests were used (Levene and Brown-Forsythe tests) to exclude any trends not related to climate variability. The data exhibit trends in annual mean and maximum temperatures over the timescales analysed, and show a general temperature increase in the 20th and 21st century. Annual and seasonal temperature change was found to vary locally with strongly positive trends in autumn, spring and summer seasons. Trends in precipitation are positive only for the 19th century and only for one station. Correlation with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index gives negative results for precipitation data. However correlation with the NAO index is positive with temperature, especially in the winter season. Return period analysis shows a decrease in intensity and frequency of extreme precipitation events in the post-1975 period (Camborne and Trengwainton Garden stations). Climate change in the 20th century and future continued warming is likely to have major implications on biodiversity in this region.

Understanding the hydrochemical evolution of a coastal dune system in SW England using a multiple tracer technique

An improved knowledge of the hydrology of coastal dune systems is desirable for successful management of their diverse ecology under a changing climate. As a near-pristine coastal dune spit system, Braunton Burrows (SW England) is an ideal location for the study of the natural processes governing recharge to the dune groundwater system and the evolution of its water quality. Whereas previous investigations have tended to focus on inter-dune slacks, this study has also given attention to infiltration through the high dunes. Cores were taken through dunes and the resulting sand samples processed to provide information on grain size distribution and porewater chemistry. Groundwater samples were obtained from beneath dunes and slacks. A variety of geochemical techniques were applied including hydrochemistry, stable isotopes and residence time indicators. The unsaturated zone profiles indicate the existence of piston flow recharge with an infiltration rate of 0.75–1m/yr, although faster rates probably also occur locally. Groundwater beneath the high dunes gave ages in the range 13–16yr, compared to the dune slack groundwater ages of 5–7yr, and an age of 22yr for groundwater from the underlying mudstone aquifer. The chemistry of waters in both unsaturated and saturated zones is dominated by Ca and HCO3, supplemented by variable amounts of other ions derived from marine aerosols and limited reaction with sand grains and their coatings. The main chemical evolution of the porewaters occurs rapidly through the mobilisation of surface salt crusts and dissolution of shell carbonate. This situation changes little in the underlying groundwater, though an evolution towards reducing conditions increases the concentrations of redox-sensitive species such as Fe and Mn. The rapid chemical evolution of the infiltrating water means that its composition will respond quickly to changes in the supply of shell material and/or marine salts, which are possible consequences of climate change. However, the residence time measurements suggest the dune aquifer has a relatively long turnover time which will to some extent buffer such changes. The results of the present study should be transferable to natural dune systems in similar coastal situations.

Distributions and concentrations of thallium in surface waters of a region impacted by historical metal mining (Cornwall, UK)

Thallium is a highly toxic heavy metal whose concentrations and distributions in the aquatic environment are poorly defined. In this study, concentrations of aqueous and total Tl have been measured in water samples from a variety of rivers and effluents (the latter related to historical metal mining) in the county of Cornwall, SW England. Aqueous concentrations ranged from about 13ngL−1 in a river whose catchment contained no metal mines to 2640ngL−1 in water abstracted directly from an abandoned mine shaft. Concentrations of Tl in rivers were greatest in the vicinity of mine-related effluents, with a maximum value measured of about 770ngL−1. Thallium was not efficiently removed by the conventional, active treatment of mine water, and displayed little interaction with suspended particles. Its mobility in surface waters, coupled with concentrations that are close to a quality guideline of 800ngL−1, is cause for concern. Accordingly, we recommend that the metal is more closely monitored in this and other regions impacted by mining activities.

Accumulation and detoxification of copper and zinc by the decapod crustacean Palaemonetes varians from diets of field-contaminated polychaetes Nereis diversicolor

In an investigation of the trophic transfer of ecotoxicologically significant amounts of trace metals from prey to predator, Palaemonetes varians were fed with diets of Nereis diversicolor from two metal-contaminated estuaries, the Tavy and Restronguet Creek in SW England, and a control estuary, the Blackwater in SE England. The decapods accumulated increased concentrations of copper (but not zinc) from the metal-contaminated worms above an initial apparently regulated body copper concentration, in response to a high dietary copper input over a period up to 30days. High dietary challenges of copper caused the induction of MTLP (metallothionein-like proteins) in the hepatopancreas of the feeding decapods as a detoxification response, although the non-detoxified subcellular component of hepatopancreas accumulated copper also increased over time, probably in association with sublethal toxic effects.

The cladid crinoid Cupressocrinites Goldfuss in the Devonian of SW England

Summary The cladid crinoid Cupressocrinites Goldfuss is a distinctive member of the Middle Devonian biota of SW England. These distinctive crinoids are easily identified to genus from incomplete specimens. They have characteristic columnals with tetragonal symmetry and peripheral canals; arm facets that extend the width of the radial plates; and uniserial, unbranched, triangular arms that are closely abutting. Although specimens from Devon are invariably incomplete, at least two species are recognizable from cups and arms. The specimens described by John Edward Lee (1808–1887) are redescribed with other material from the Natural History Museum, London. The four-fold symmetry of the column is unlikely to have persisted from a Late Ordovician ancestor.

Armorican provenance for the mélange deposits below the Lizard ophiolite (Cornwall, UK): evidence for Devonian obduction of Cadomian and Lower Palaeozoic crust onto the southern margin of Avalonia

Devonian sedimentary rocks of the Meneage Formation within the footwall of the Lizard ophiolite complex in SW England are thought to have been derived from erosion of the over-riding Armorican microplate during collision with Avalonia and the closure of the Rheic Ocean. We further test this hypothesis by comparison of their detrital zircon suites with those of autochthonous Armorican strata. Five samples analysed from SW England (Avalonia) and NW France (Armorica) have a bimodal U–Pb zircon age distribution dominated by late Neoproterozoic to middle Cambrian (c. 710–518 Ma) and Palaeoproterozoic (c. 1,800–2,200 Ma) groupings. Both can be linked with lithologies exposed within the Cadomian belt as well as the West African craton, which is characterized by major tectonothermal events at 2.0–2.4 Ga. The detrital zircon signature of Avalonia is distinct from that of Armorica in that there is a much larger proportion of Mesoproterozoic detritus. The common provenance of the samples is therefore consistent with: (a) derivation of the Meneage Formation melange deposits from the Armorican plate during Rheic Ocean closure and obduction of the Lizard Complex and (b) previous correlation of quartzite blocks within the Meneage Formation with the Ordovician Gres Armoricain Formation of NW France.

Drawing lines at the sand: Evidence for functional vs. visual reef boundaries in temperate Marine Protected Areas

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can either protect all seabed habitats within them or discrete features. If discrete features within the MPA are to be protected humans have to know where the boundaries are. In Lyme Bay, SW England a MPA excluded towed demersal fishing gear from 206km2 to protect rocky reef habitats and the associated species. The site comprised a mosaic of sedimentary and reef habitats and so ‘non reef’ habitat also benefited from the MPA. Following 3years protection, video data showed that sessile Reef Associated Species (RAS) had colonised sedimentary habitat indicating that ‘reef’ was present. This suggested that the functional extent of the reef was potentially greater than its visual boundary. Feature based MPA management may not adequately protect targeted features, whereas site based management allows for shifting baselines and will be more effective at delivering ecosystem goods and services.

‘Junior doctor decision making: isn’t that an oxymoron?’ A qualitative analysis of junior doctors’ ward-based decision-making

Unacceptable levels of adverse healthcare events, combined with changes to training, have put the spotlight on junior doctor decision-making. This study aimed to describe the decisions made by junior doctors and the contextual factors influencing how decisions were made and justified. Stimulated recall interviews with 20 junior doctors across five hospitals in SW England were undertaken to co-construct accounts of observers (researchers) and performers (junior doctors), enabling deep insights into individual capability and support needs. Decisions identified included prioritisation of patients and of tasks, and whether and when to intervene clinically. There were a surprising number of ‘inherited decisions’, made by somebody else but enacted by the junior doctor. Through their decisions, participants sought various outcomes, including impressing senior staff. Two contrasting theoretical lenses that focused on the individual decision-maker and the healthcare system enabled creative ideas about supporting education and training to emerge as recommendations.

Urban landscapes - everyday environmental encounters, their meaning and importance for the individual

Work investigates the everyday experience of urban landscapes to explore the individual meanings associated with landscape encounters aiming to provide greater clarity regarding the role/functioning of everyday environmental elements within the urban scene. In particular, it explores the concept and formation of ‘loops’, i.e. the reflexive cycles of sensory input and construction of meaning associated with engagement in the landscape, how they are specific to individual experience and the subsequent positive, meaningful outcomes. Ideas are developed through the presentation of two researched case studies involving the collection of qualitative data which involve - residents’ perceptions of street trees in a residential environment in SW England and - user experience of the central canal-scape of Birmingham, UK. It considers how users react to these landscapes, how their use supports individuals in terms of their personal identities and their requirements to engender a highly positive interaction. The study uses data derived from a variety of methodologies, including survey questionnaires, interviews, walking-and-talking methods, as well as self-narrated walking to present a range of information. The findings suggest that a shift change is required in the ways that we evaluate users’ experiences of the environment to consider impact in the specific context of individual identities, to embrace methodologies which are capable of revealing their deep meaning and importance of these elements to the individual. Ideas are summarised to help explain the formation of perception loops that are associated with high levels of interaction/synergy between the environment and the individual.

Soil structural degradation in SW England and its impact on surface‐water runoff generation

AbstractField investigations between 2002 and 2011 identified soil structural degradation to be widespread in SW England with 38% of the 3243 surveyed sites having sufficiently degraded soil structure to produce observable features of enhanced surface‐water runoff within the landscape. Soil under arable crops often had high or severe levels of structural degradation. Late‐harvested crops such as maize had the most damaged soil where 75% of sites were found to have degraded structure generating enhanced surface‐water runoff. Soil erosion in these crops was found at over one in five sites. A tendency for the establishment of winter cereals in late autumn in the South West also often resulted in damaged soil where degraded structure and enhanced surface‐water runoff were found in three of every five cereal fields. Remedial actions to improve soil structure are either not being undertaken or are being unsuccessfully used. Brown Sands, Brown Earths and loamy Stagnogley Soils were the most frequently damaged soils. The intensive use of well‐drained, high quality sandy and coarse loamy soils has led to soil structural damage resulting in enhanced surface‐water runoff from fields that should naturally absorb winter rain. Surface water pollution, localized flooding and reduced winter recharge rates to aquifers result from this damage. Chalk and limestone landscapes on the other hand show little evidence of serious soil structural degradation and <20% of fields in these landscapes generate enhanced runoff.

Selenium in sediments and biota from estuaries of southwest England

Selenium concentrations have been measured in sediment, fucoid macroalgae and macroinvertebrates from four estuaries of SW England (Yealm, Plym, Looe, Fal). Sediment concentrations ranged from about 0.4μgg−1 in the Yealm to 1.49μgg−1 at one site in the Plym. Concentrations in Fucus vesiculosus (0.05–0.31μgg−1) and F. ceranoides (0.05–0.51μgg−1) were significantly lower than corresponding concentrations in sediment but there was no correlation between algal and sediment concentrations. Selenium concentrations in Littorina littorea (∼4μgg−1), Hediste diversicolor (2.82–12.68μgg−1), Arenicola marina (∼17μgg−1) and Scrobicularia plana (1.18–6.85μgg−1) were considerably higher than concentrations in macroalga or sediment, suggesting that Se is effectively accumulated from the diet. Although Se concentrations in some invertebrates exceed toxicity thresholds for the diet of predacious birds and fish, no specific evidence for Se toxicity exists in these estuaries.

Observations of the swash zone on a gravel beach during a storm using a laser-scanner (Lidar)

Almeida, L.P., Masselink, G., Russell, P.E., Davidson, M.A., Poate, T.G., McCall, R.T., Blenkinsopp, C.E. and Turner, I.L. 2013. Observations of the swash zone on a gravel beach during a storm using a laser-scannerThe collection of detailed field measurements from the swash zone during storms is an extremely challenging task which is difficult to execute with traditional in-situ deployments (e.g., scaffold rigs with instruments). The levels of difficulty increase for gravel beaches where the wave energy reaches the beach face with almost no loss of energy, leading to violent plunging wave breaking on the beach face that can produce large vertical morphological changes and extremely strong uprushes that can easily and rapidly damage, bury or detach instrumentation. Remote-sensing techniques emerge as the most appropriate solution to perform field measurements under such adverse conditions since they have the ability to perform measurements without being deployed in-situ. A mid-range (~ 50 m) Laser-scanner mounted on a tower (~ 7 m high) in the mid beach face of a gravel beach (Loe Bar - SW England) was used to measure bed-level changes and runup at a sampling rate of 2 Hz along one beach profile during a storm. The results from the comparison of this system with other state-of-the-art instruments (e.g., ultrasonic bed level sensors, GPS and video cameras) indicate that the quality of the measurements obtained is within the accuracy of the standard methods. The advantages of this system is the reduced logistical infrastructure required for the deployment, the capability to perform surveys with high spatial and vertical resolution, during day and night, and to reach areas of the swash zone where no other instrument can be deployed safely. Measurements performed with a laser-scanner on a gravel beach (Loe Bar) show complex and fast-changing morphology on the gravel beach, which appears to be a form of negative morphodynamic feedback to controls the hydrodynamic evolution in the swash zone.