Managing sand dunes

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Case study Ainsdale sand dunes
Managing sand dunes
This area is NNR, Ramsar site, Special
Protection Area (SPA), SSSI, Special Area of
Conservation (SAC)
It is home to a number of protected
species Natterjack Toad, Petalwort Liverwort and
Sand Lizard,
Area 7km²
Threats Scrub and rank vegetation invasion of
non-native pines and poplars and establishment of
rank grasses and herbs such as bramble. Public
pressure 5 million people live within an hours
drive which leads to erosion, loss of habitat,
vandalism, fire and the collection of rare
species.
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Management a multi purpose approach
Dune stabilisation used where property or
infrastructure is at risk from moving dunes.
Scrub cutting and clearance carried out in
small areas due to labour intense nature of the
activity.
Species management for example breeding pools
for toads and fencing to separate visitors from
lizards.
Mowing controls the height and density of
invasive plants.
Turf stripping and excavation recreates the
early stages of succession and encourages rare
plants like the Petalwort. However costly and
destructive
Visitor management Some permit-only or closed
sanctuaries have been established to keep
visitors away from vulnerable areas.
Grazing Sheep and cattle have been reintroduced
in 1990 to control targeted species like Creeping
Willow