Coastal dunes

Coastal dunes are accumulations of sand blown by the wind and deposited against a solid obstacle. This is a slow process and, without the help of stabilising plants, the dune disappears in the same way it formed. For dune complexes to form certain vital conditions are needed: gently sloping beaches, strong sea winds, little humidity, moderate precipitation and a large supply of sand. The sandy medium of the dunes means that only a few well adapted species of flora and fauna can survive there. The principal species of stabilising plants are European beachgrass (Ammophilia arenaria) and sand couch grass (Elymus fractus), with an underground stalk (rhizome) which enables them to fix themselves in the sand.