Many of our coastal sand dunes are severely degraded where uncontrolled use and development, spread of invasive weeds and impact of grazing animals has seen loss of native vegetation cover and substantial changes in dune morphology. Coast Care groups and management agencies are actively involved in restoration of sand dunes aimed at improving indigenous biodiversity and natural dune form and function.

A survey of sand dunes across the range of zones from foredune to landward establishes a baseline in dune morphology, vegetation cover and species composition.

Survey information assists Coast Care groups and agencies in the management of their dunes and enables them to:

• Get an indication of the degree of modification of the dunes
• Set priorities for restoration programmes
• Monitor performance of these programmes
• Measure changes in vegetation cover and species composition over time