Revamp to preserve Fylde dunes

The sand dunes between St Annes and Blackpool have taken on rather a different look in recent weeks, with a section close to the Fylde boundary substantially reduced in height.
The work on the dunes at Clifton Drive NorthThe work on the dunes at Clifton Drive North
The work on the dunes at Clifton Drive North

Part of the Fylde Sand Dunes Project to preserve and protect the dunes, the work is termed as ‘reprofiling’ and according to a spokesman for the project, is being conducted in a small ‘blow out’ area to reduce the height of the dunes by the roadside and ‘fill in’ the blow out.

“Once the digging has been completed the area will be covered by eco matting, made from biodegradable natural coconut fibre, and planted with marram grass,” said the spokesman.

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“The end result will be a more stabilised area, resulting in less wind-blown sand leaving the dune system and ending up on the road.”

The Sand Dunes Project is a partnership between Fylde Council, Blackpool Council and Lancashire Wildlife Trust led by Fylde since 2008.

Its aim is to ensure the protection and improvement of the dune habitat in its role as soft sea defence and nationally significant conservation area. Environment Agency grant funding to the total value of £717,000 was secured in December 2016 to continue the project and associated staff and costs for five years.

The money funds the project team as well as allowing the management and improvement of more than 80 hectares of dune estate between Starr Gate and Lytham which includes a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, County Biological Heritage Sites and Local Nature Reserve.

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The project spokesman added: “Unfortunately over the past 150 years, more than 80 per cent of our dunes have been lost, due to the urban expansion of our coastal towns.

“However, while much depleted, the remaining dunes in Fylde make up more than 90 per cent of Lancashire’s dunes, and still form the most significant part of Fylde borough’s coastal defence. It is therefore important that we protect and conserve this valuable asset to our coastline.”

“The main aims for management of the Fylde dunes are to: Enhance the nature conservation interest of the coastal habitats; improve the efficiency of the dunes and saltmarsh as soft sea-defence and enhance public appreciation and enjoyment of them.