Dynamic coastal dunes: Improving understanding and changing management to benefit a threatened habitat

Liverpool Hope University has led the development of new models of dynamic dune management, strongly embedded in practitioner relations. This has produced management guidance for dynamic dunes that sustain ecosystem services, strengthened national and international policies to protect and conserve dynamic dunes, and improved understanding of dynamic dunes for specialist and non-specialist stakeholders.

 

Issue

Ongoing losses of dunes to development and the continuing impacts of other stabilising factors are reducing the extent, beneficial functions, and desirable qualities of coastal dunes in North West Europe. The European Union has identified an urgent need to improve the conservation status of coastal dunes.

 

Approach

The work has challenged the traditional ‘static state’ dune management model and worked with diverse sectors to create and apply new dynamic management models. A network – the Sand Dune Network - of over 300 land managers, policy makers, academics and scientists has collaboratively joined forces with the aim of conserving dunes as dynamic landscapes.

 

Impact

Through workshops and conferences, media activities, contracted projects, and expert consultation and evidence, the Sand Dune Network has improved understanding and practices of conservation land managers, environmental policy advisors and scientists concerned with coastal dunes.

On 1st March 2012, Natural England commissioned the university to produce a ‘Sustainable Dune Management Toolkit’ for conservation and planning advisors. This was promoted by the Senior Environmental Specialist Coastal Habitats for Natural England as "the first go-to source of information for our advisors".

In September 2018, a partnership with the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology led to the development of the ‘Sand Dune Managers Handbook” to assist urgent management.

Members of the team have also provided expert advice to organisations such as Scottish Natural Heritage to oppose a development proposal at the internationally important dunes at Coul Links, Sutherland, Scotland.

The ‘Sands of Time’ website provides easily accessible information on coastal dune dynamics aimed at the interest lay person and A-level students.

 

More information 

• Read the full impact case study in the REF21 database

Institution: Liverpool Hope University 

Researcher: Reverend Paul Rooney