Dafydd propert lewis

1

A study of the morphology of a man made sand dune system (Porthtowan) DAFYDD PROPERT-LEWIS

Falmouth Marine School, Killigrew Street Falmouth, Cornwall, England TR11 3QS A baseline study was conducted to provide a snapshot of the morphology of an artificially created sand dune system occupying a small site on the north coast of Cornwall, England. Over a study period of six months, bi-monthly transect surveys were conducted to chart dune morphology in conjunction with fixed point photography and analysis of archive aerial photography. Statistical analysis confirmed significant changes of mean heights for 2 0f 3 transects confirming that the dune was highly mobile. Long term archive analysis also confirmed that substantial depletion of the fore dunes had occurred. A central blow out section had also formed with high levels of sand drift forming at the hind dune. The rate of decline suggested the need for decisive management in regards to maintaining protection from severe storms

Keywords: Sand dune, blow out, dune profile, fixed point photography, artificial, Ammophila arenaria

INTRODUCTION

In the UK, we are blessed with 6000km of

stabilise the dunes (Horwood 1919) by trapping

uniquely diverse coastline. Much of this coastline

wind-blown sand, as well as fixation of the sand

is hardy and rugged and erosion or retreat takes

substratum of the fore dunes (Van der Putten &

place over a great period of time. Other areas

Peters 1995). These in turn act as ideal habitats

however are dynamic and can change

for many mammals, birds and invertebrates. As

dramatically. Sand dunes are examples of the

well as this, dunes can also act as storm protection

latter and examples of these landforms can be

and provide an ideal natural barrier to surge

found distributed all around our coasts accounting

(http://sciencesearch.defra.gov.uk) and potential

for 7.4% of the coastline and providing 120

sea ingress resultant from predicted sea level rise.

separate examples that span the entire National

They were used for agriculture and to provide

Vegetation Classification (Doody 2005). Dune

area’s for animals to graze. This led to

systems support a number of important functions.

overexploitation (Gresswell 1953). Dune systems

They can accommodate vastly diverse varieties of

continued to receive poor treatment with many

vegetation. One of the most important of these is

habitats being destroyed or enclosed by

Ammophila arenaria. This resident of northern

development. They are sensitive areas and human

temperate regions is a littoral grass which actively

activities impact greatly. By the 1970’s trampling

joins together in large communities which act to

and destruction of Cornish dunes was finally

2 deemed to be unacceptable and measures were

small village that lies amongst the scars of mining

put in place to manage and protect vulnerable

industry that once prospered in the region. Since

sites. These consisted mainly of planting and

the decline of the mining industry its main

fencing strategies to existing dunes as well as the

industry is now tourism. Since experiencing a level

creation of some artificial areas

of decline throughout the late 1980’s, the village

(http://www.cornwall.gov.uk). Effective

has slowly regained popularity and has seen the

management relies upon the availability of

regeneration of some local businesses that has

accurate information (Davies et al 2005) and this

helped swell visitor number throughout the

was largely unavailable when the first

summer and holiday seasons.

management plans were employed. Since then,

The study area is the area of artificial dune of

methods and knowledge of dune management

limited biodiversity which is backed by a common

have undergone significant improvement.

area. The western edge is bordered by a small concrete sided stream, a small marram grass bank

MATERIALS AND METHODS

and an access road that leads to the local surf club building. To the east of the site there runs a road which becomes an unpaved private track that serves as an access to two dwellings, a bar and five seasonal small businesses as well as parking for

Study area

six vehicles.

The study site has become a popular area for beach goers as it offers protection from on shore winds and offers the best areas of sand. The beach faces a north westerly direction making it exposed to the prevailing westerly winds and high levels of wave energy. As the general attitude is to allow a natural course of action to take place (Rooney 2010) this is not always the best or preferred action. For example, in the case of Porthtowan, natural succession is not an option due to the

Fig.1. the study area.

The UK has examples of many different dune types; however, Porthtowan, on the north coast of Cornwall, has an artificially stabilised dune that was established in the mid 1970’s and its enclosed position and exposure to human impact has led to a steady rate of decline. Porthtowan is a relatively

enclosed nature of the site. The dunes were once fenced off (http://www.cornwall.gov.uk), a practice now seen as incompatible in the most part and fixed paths were created to focus usage.

A pathway was constructed that created a route for people to pass through the dunes, possibly to minimise the risk of trampling. However, it was soon destroyed during winter storms. This led to

3 the reported use of a large mechanical digger

but states that “The preferred approach at

being employed to remove the structure,

Porthtowan would be to manage the frontage

potentially causing a great deal of damage to the

under a no active intervention policy” (CISCAG

dunes. This in turn may have contributed to the

2010). However, a little further on in the report

large blowout which has since seen the rate of

can be found the ‘Summary of Specific Policies’.

retreat increase with less Ammophila arenaria to

Here it states that the preferred option for the

trap windblown sand, a problem the village

dunes would be “to manage the frontage under a

suffers and requires weekly cleaning of the

no active intervention policy. Local management

surrounding roads. The fore dune has also

of the dunes however is an important aspect of the

undergone a visible levelling of profile and with a

future well-being of the frontage (and this could

larger, flatter area of sandy fore dune now

possibly be managed under a Managed

apparent; this has attracted more attention from

Realignment (MR) policy) as opposed to No Active

human impacts which in turn has created more

Intervention (NAI). In a more specific report into

evidence of trampling which will possibly result

Porthtowan by CISCAG, it further goes on to

in even more decline of vegetation.

recommend ‘appropriate dune management to

In terms of designation, Porthtowan lies in a Site

help protect the local amenities from becoming at

of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) area as well as

risk to flooding, possible enhancement and regular

being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

surveying and monitoring whilst stating that no

(AONB) and is a World Heritage Site.

further hard structures should be introduced’

In the shoreline management plan compiled by

(CISCAG 2010).

the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Coastal Advisory Group (CISCAG), it identifies Porthtowan dunes Data collection Considering that dune systems are such dynamic environments, a high level of monitoring and surveying is required if they are to be properly understood and that understanding to be passed to the those responsible for the management plans that govern them.

There are many methods currently employed.

Some are newly conceived areas of research whereas others are an evolution of early methods.

Larger dune systems were subject to aerial photography so sand migration and vegetated growth could be mapped and studied. Curr et al

(2000) have evolved this practice along the Mediterranean coast of France using infrared digital photography. From this, dune condition can be assessed via a relatively user friendly computer program and features can be mapped, human pressures can be identified and dune progression or depletion more easily detected. As well as this, photos are used to compare to other sites to gauge differences of human pressures in relation to population areas and various latitudes. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the greatest impacts were found to be where tourism population density was highest.

4 Where aerial photography is undoubtedly a

sand encroachment for that region are vast. In

valuable tool in dune monitoring, it is only really

addition, the GIS method, not only becoming the

viable for large areas of dunes. In comparison, a

standard for “environmental sensitivity mapping,

less expensive and more suitable for long term

geological exploration, natural resource inventory,

and smaller scale study might be that of long-term

and urban development” (Althausen Jr et al 2003)

landscape photography. In a case study at on the

also offers consistent and reliable data over large

Morfa Dyffryn dunes, Gwynedd, mid-Wales,

areas. However, operating a GIS is very high cost

Millington et al. (2009) used a system of fixed

with obtaining and interpreting the original input

point and angle photography to ascertain dune

data the largest single cost in GIS database

dynamics. The results would suggest that this type

creation. (Althausen Jr et al 2003).

of monitoring is a cost effective and successful method of identifying relationships between

Beach profile survey

“upper beach dynamics, dune morphology, and

The beach profile surveys were conducted bi-

erosion/accretion processes” (Millington et al.

monthly along three transects A.B and C. Two

2009).

extendable ranging poles were used in

One the most cost effective and simple methods

conjunction with clinometers to ascertain the

for monitoring dunes is that of the profile survey.

height of elevation over varying distances limited

Using any given number of transects, this can

by the rate of incline/decline. Where steep

potentially be conducted by as little as two people

inclines or declines were measured, distances

in a relatively short time considering the area is of

were shortened. This gave a varying set of data

small enough size to make it viable. Providing that

points over each transect. Three fixed points at the

the chosen method is adhered to and enough data

fore dune were established and each transect was

is collected at marked points of time for a long

carried over the dunes and terminated at the

enough period, this simple technique is very

extremity of the study site. Two people were

effective at mapping changes in dune structure.

employed in the process of surveying. The values

Finding a suitable method is easy enough and can

of height over distance were recorded and entered

be found in many field guide sources such as

into excel. These values were then subject to

(http://www.geographyteachingtoday.org.uk).

cumulative addition to provide suitable data to

What could be a further extension to Millington et

produce a graph that would illustrate the profile of

al (2009) would be the use of GIS mapping.

the three transects of the study area. Careful

Althausen Jr et al (2003) employed GIS in

consideration was shown when moving across the

conjunction with data collected via satellite

dunes to cause minimal disturbance.

imagery to study sand dynamics in arid areas such

Consideration was also required due to the study

as the Arab Emirates. In comparison to fixed

site being a public site.

terrestrial photography and aerial photography, the overall cost is very high although the scale is vastly greater and the economical implications of

Fixed point photography data collection

5 In conjunction with a profile survey, fixed point

were collected at bi-monthly intervals and care

photography was established at pre selected

was taken to carefully replicate the same photo in

points to chart any visible change. These photos each instance. Camera settings were set at the

recent images to gain a better insight in the time

same settings and structures or points were used

scale of dynamics at the site. Google earth can

to centralise the photograph. Using these

provide suitable aerial archive images and in this

photographs, sand build-up and vegetation

cas provide three separate images taken at four

growth or depletion can be analysed visually.

yearly intervals.

Archive data was also used and compared to

Statistical Analysis A paired t-test was used to compare the normally distributed variables of height data collected at set points along each transect. Comparisons were made between the first and last month of the survey to provide suitable data for statistical analysis.

RESULTS Table 1. Paired t-test results for December – April data along transect A 10m

15m

31m

41m

71m

91m

120m

December

1.7m

2.8m

7.17m

6.17m

1.69m

2.41m

3.24m

April

1.6m

2.7m

6.7m

6.3m

2.4m

2.5m

3.6m

Difference

0.1m

0.1m

0.47m

-0.13m

-0.71m

-0.09m

-0.36m

Mean value = 0.0886 Standard deviation = 0.347 t value = 0.625 Critical value = 1.943

Ho – Mean height in December = mean height in April H1 – Mean height in December ≠ mean height of April T value is less than the critical value so we must accept the null hypothesis.

6

Table 2. Paired t-test results for December – April data along transect B 10m

20m

30m

50m

70m

80m

100m

December

1.2m

2.75m

3.05m

3.58m

2.70m

1.93m

2.18m

April

1.3m

2.3m

3.5m

4.8m

3.3m

3.9m

3.6m

Difference

-0.1m

0.45m

-0.45m

-1.22m

-0.6m

-1.97m

-1.42m

Mean value = -0.76 Standard deviation = 0.767

Ho – Mean height in December = mean height in April

t value = 2.427

H1 – Mean height in December ≠ mean height of April T value is greater than the critical value so we must reject the null hypothesis.

Critical value = 1.943

Table 3. Paired t-test results for December – April data along transect C 10m

15m

20m

25m

30m

40m

55m

70m

December

2.6m

3.38m

4.28m

5.56m

4.36m

3.26m

1.96m

2.68m

April

1.6m

2.4m

3.7m

4.4m

3.45m

1.55m

1.05m

2.25m

1m

0.98m

0.58m

1.16m

0.91m

1.71m

0.91m

0.43m

Difference

Mean value = 0.96 Standard deviation = 0.30158

Ho – Mean height in December = mean height in April

t value = 2.07

H1 – Mean height in December ≠ mean height of April

Critical value = 1.943

T value is greater than the critical value so we must reject the null hypothesis.

Statistical analysis A paired t-test was carried out in order to determine if there were any significant differences in mean dune heights on like transects between December and April, the start and end month of the survey. It showed that there was little change on transect A (table 1) which covers the most

stable and substantial area of the dune. Transects B and C were shown to have significant change in mean heights. Transect B (table 2) covers the area of the blow out and results suggest a leveling of fore dune profile along with substantial increase in dune height extending through the back dune.

7 Transect C (table 3) also showed significant change and a decrease in profile. Since transect C is closest to the surf club and a large free parking area, this is often the part of the dune that is

accessed by foot and experiences high levels of trampling. These results were the expected findings based on previous trends within the study site.

A

December transect A

Height (m)

8 6 4 2 0 0

5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100105110115120125130 Distance (m)

B

Height (m)

8

December transect B

6 4 2 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100105110115120125130135140 Distance (m)

C

8

Height (m)

8 6 4 2 0 0

25

50

135

Distance (m)

Fig.1. Dune profile data for December. Transect A is the most stable and substantial area which is offered some protection from trampling by foot by fencing. Transect B illustrates the profile of blow out area. This area has been observed to undergo the highest levels of trampling. There is now no vegetation through this area

A

Height (m)

February transect A 8 6 4 2 0 -2 0

5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115

Distance (m)

B

February transect B Hieght (m)

8 6 4 2 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95100105110115120125130135140145 Distance (m)

9

C

February transect C

Height (m)

8 6 4 2 0

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100105110115120125130135140 Distance (m)

Fig.2. Dune profile data for February.

A

April transect A Height (m)

8 6 4 2 0 0

5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 Distance (m)

B

April transect B Height (m)

8 6 4 2 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100105110115120125130135140145 Distance (m)

10

C

April transect C

Height (m)

8 6 4 2 0 0

5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100105110115120125130 Distance (m)

Fig. 3. Dune profile data for April

A

B

11

Fig.5. Fixed point photography over a period of ten years. (A) January 2011. (B) Circa 2001. Photo shows extent of vegetation loss and alteration of dune profile. The substantial fore dune in photo B is largely absent in photo A. Vegetation has remained in areas closest to fencing although the fore dune fencing has been destroyed. The free public car park has a bridge that provides access directly to the dune and trampling is evident.

A

B

Access points to study area

12

C

Areas of existing fencing

Fig.6. Fixed point photography from an elevated position. (A) December. (B) February and (C) April. (A) Shows designated access points although access can, and is, made at virtually all points surrounding study site. (B) shows existing fencing. (C) Shows human interaction with study site.

A

13

B

C

Fig. 7. Fixed point photographs from an access bridge located in free, public car park adjoin surf club building.

14

A

B

C

Fig. 8. Aerial photography for 12/31/2001. This photo illustrates locations of transects A, B and C. Vegetation is relatively abundant although undesignated pathways through the study site are clearly visible. Pathway from bridge across the study site to access road is still apparent in 2001 and marks the limit to back dune. Blowout area through transect B is becoming to be apparent. Fore dune vegetation and protective fencing still visible. River is directed away from dunes onto the beach.

15

Fig. 9. Aerial photography for 12/31/2005. Vegetation reduced especially in fore dune area where management structures have been implemented and renewed fencing installed. Blow out area has breached the pathway by several meters in 2 separate areas marked with arrows. Pathways still apparent but less defined as vegetation becomes reduced.

16

Fig.10.Fore dune management structures largely absent and fore dune fencing no longer in situ. Blow out area has greatly breached pathway, shown by arrows, and pathway from the bridge to the access road is no longer apparent. The river bank alongside the dune appears damaged and the river has undergone widening at the point of entry to the beach, possibly as a consequence. Partial fencing remains at front sides of study site.

17

DISCUSSION

remarked displeasure at the increasing height of the back drift as in some cases, sea views have

Although Cornwall has a wealth of managed and

become obscured. It is likely that without some

protected sand dunes, Porthtowan is unique in

interaction, these problems will continue. Further

that is an artificial system that occupies such a limited area. It has clearly undergone many attempts at protection and management but has slowly succumbed to effects of weathering and

loss of dune vegetation will possibly lead to increased blown sand levels.

human interaction over time with a hastening of degradation over the past 10 years with the

However, as has been observed in the past, certain

development of the blow out and the removal of

management techniques no longer adhered to

the fore dune. It has been difficult to obtain much

may cause more negative impacts than positive in

in the way of comparison data in terms of profiling

the long term. For example, structures placed on

but photographic archive data seems to support

the dunes in order to provide designated access

the notion that the blow out process is happening

through the study site have had little success in

at a significant rate as statistical evidence shown

reducing trampling and have been quickly

in tables 2 & 3 would suggest. What is also an

destroyed by winter storms or covered by sand

unknown quantity is the manner of sand particle

due to the dynamics of the site as is evident in

inputs and whether processes in adjoining cells

figure 11 below

have attributed towards the morphology of the study site. Likewise, since the decreasing level of vegetation within the study site has meant the constant removal of blown sand build up from surrounding highways, whether this affects dune health is unknown. It has been suggested that all sand removed from the nearby highways is returned to the beach although no visible evidence of this has been observed during the duration of the study period. Local attitude is that the current situation is not acceptable with the back drifting sand obscuring established designated paths and encroaching public areas. Likewise, local businesses and owners or properties have

Fig. 11. Wooden walkway through blow out area of the study site later destroyed by storms.

18

Fig. 12. Wooden walkway structure through blow out area of study site. Later removed by mechanical digger.

Fig. 14. Currently remaining management structures Unfortunately, Information regarding the removal was not available from a Cornwall Council representative. Likewise, further management structures as visible in figure 9 suffered a similar fate as to the walkway although they partially remain and statistical data in table 1 would

Fig. 13. The study site as of 03/05/2011 In addition to the interference that the construction of this walkway posed, the manner in

suggest that they have had a positive effect since transect A showed no significant change in mean height throughout the study period.

which it was removed, with a mechanical digger,

Data gathering

could be observed to be somewhat insensitive to

The collection of data for this baseline study was

the delicate nature of the small study site. While

essentially a learning process. At each stage of the

this occurrence cannot be directly attributed to

study period, techniques were revised and

any specific damage to the dune, it can be assumed

improved. What was clear throughout and after

that the effect it caused was not a positive one.

the survey was the important requirement of duplication throughout the process. During a profile survey, slight, featureless elevations would allow longer distances to be measured and likewise steeper elevations would have to be measured at shorter distances. It is clear now that a preferential method of measuring the profile would be to use 5m or less increments throughout the entire transects. This not only would provide a

19 more accurate profile but would allow for more

protection from rising sea levels that would

accurate statistical analysis when ascertaining

otherwise have to be provided by hard structures

significant changes to mean height. It was also

such as the stone gabions fronting the surf club

apparent that transects running not only the

area. There would appear to be two courses of

length of the study site but also across would

action at this point. The most expensive in the

provide a more comprehensive overall picture.

short term would be a managed retreat. This

Fixed point photography and aerial observations

would involve replanting, reengineering and reprofiling to maintain defence integrity as outlined in the Sand Dune Processes and Management for

Obtaining fixed point photography data was

Flood and Coastal Defence Technical Summary:

undoubtedly a cost effective and useful source of

FD1302, Joint Defra / EA Flood and Coastal

data. The topography of the site allowed an

Erosion Risk Management R&D programme

effective vantage point to provide a good overview

released in 2007. Substantial fencing structures

of the site. However, obtaining photographic

would again be required to prevent access during

archive data was difficult although once found, it

replanting. This approach could be employed in

was relatively simple to replicate the position of

conjunction with the education of local school

the photo for current comparison. Google earth

children into the factors surrounding sea level rise

also proved to be a very useful resource and

and the importance of the protection of such

provided interesting comparisons to be made over

features such as sand dune systems. Possibly the

a larger timescale. These images also highlighted

area could be more prominently utilised as a

past management techniques, changes in

conservation area with a view to the continuation

vegetation and areas of human interaction by

of providing flood and storm protection to the

illustrating pathways made by trampling through

village in the long term. Alternatively, the

the study site. It was a very cost effective means of

continuing approach of no active intervention

analysing aerial data.

would, I believe, see a steady decline of existing vegetation and an increased rate of drifting sand

CONCLUSION

across the hind dunes which even at its current state is seen as largely unacceptable by a number

Having spent much of my life at Porthtowan i have

of local residents. This would also result in a

witnessed the changes to the sand dunes first

greater volume of blown sand required to be

hand. Though initially a well fenced and stocked

removed from the public highways. This method

dune, its small area and topography provide a

of approach would probably result in the

sandy area that offers protection from the wind

requirement of a decisive management plan at a

and people naturally gravitate towards it

later date to ensure alternative storm protection

regardless of measures to prevent otherwise. On

in the future. It seems the most realistic addition

one hand there is the fact that the dunes are

in the short term aid to the aid the reduction of

identified in offering substantial flood and sea

vegetation loss due to trampling would be the

20 installation of clear and educational signage at strategic positions around the dune site. There currently exists a number of small signs directly on the dunes which are both uninformative and ineffective (figure 15).

Fig. 15. Current signage.

In addition to these signs there is also a sign on

would be a small step in providing education and

the frontage of the local seafront bar (figure 16)

creating awareness as to the importance of the

which provides slightly more information.

dunes not only as delicate habitat but also as an SMP recognised means of sea defence that could safeguard local businesses and amenities in the years ahead.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to express my thanks to Louise Hockley for her enthusiasm, advice and assistance throughout this project. I would also like to thank Max Adcock for his assistance in conducting the

Fig. 16. Additional signage

surveys, without whom, it simply would not have happened and also Falmouth marine school for the use of the equipment required to carry out the

Although this is an improvement on the signs located on the dunes, it is in very small writing and located away from the dunes where it is rarely read.

Although the addition of larger signs in a more prominent position will not be enough alone to prevent people from trampling over the dunes, it

surveys.

21

REFERENCES

Carlson, L.H. & Godfrey, P. J., 1989. Human impact management in a coastal recreation and

Althausen, J.D. JR., 2003. Using Satellite Imagery

natural area, Biological Conservation [online].

and GIS in the Mapping of Coastal Landscapes in

Available at:

an Arid Environment: Khor Al Bazam, Western

2F1989&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_origi

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Desertification

n=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_search

in the Third Millennium [online]. Available at:

StrId=1568818803&_rerunOrigin=scholar.google

http://www.megeuae.com/SharhanPDFpubs/Des

&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&

ertification/Use-Satellite-Imagery.pdf [04.11.10]

_userid=10&md5=5ab000d15703c36abe14d99f1 01a8538&searchtype=a [06.11.10]

Cornwall Council, 2010. The Management of

Gresswell, R. K. 1953. Sandy Shores in South

Cornwall’s Sand Dunes [online]. Available at:

Lancashire. Liverpool

http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=1

University Press, Liverpool

3686 [04.11.10]

Horwood, A.R., 1919. British Wild Flowers in their

Curr, R.H.F., 2000. Assessing anthropogenic

Natural Haunts, Volumes 2-4, The Gresham

impact on Mediterranean sand dunes from aerial

Publishing Company.

digital photography. Journal of Coastal Conservation [online]. Available at: http://databases.euccd.de/files/documents/00000424_C6.015-22.pdf [05.11.10]

Houston, J., et al., 2001. Coastal dune management: shared experience of European conservation practice. Liverpool, Liverpool University Press.

Davies, P. et al., 1995. Decision making in dune management: theory and practice. Journal of Coastal Conservation [online]. Available at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/47347j02 106002u3/fulltext.pdf [04.11.10]

Rooney, P., 2010. Changing perspectives in coastal dune management. Journal of Coastal Conservation [online]. Available at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/u1h5845v

Doody, J.P., 2005. Sand dune inventory of Europe,

p5807q54/fulltext.pdf [04.11.10]

Proceedings ‘Dunes and Estuaries 2005’ – International Conference on Nature Restoration [online]. Available at: www.vliz.be/imisdocs/publications/73752.pdf [06.11.10]

Sand Dune Processes and Management for Flood and Coastal Defence Technical Summary: FD1302, Joint Defra / EA Flood and

22 Coastal Erosion Risk Management R&D programme, 2007 [online]. Available at: http://sciencesearch.defra.gov.uk/Document.aspx ?Document=FD1302_6131_TSM.pdf [04.11.10]

8, Trekye Cove, Sandy Road Porthtowan, Truro Cornwall England TR48UL Email:napnea@hotmail.co.uk

Van der Putten, W.H. & Peters, B.A.M., 1995.

Possibilities for management of coastal fore dunes with deteriorated stands of Ammophila arenaria (marram grass). Journal of Coastal Conservation [online]. Available at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/j491qtt43 4302072/fulltext.pdf [05.11.10] Correspondence should be addressed to: D.I Propert-Lewis

MANAGEMENT STRATEGY CRITIQUE

From the outset this project was a learning experience. Data collection techniques were improved at each stage resulting in better collection methods for each successive survey. Although a rigid surveying schedule was drawn up, weather conditions, college work and personal matters would mean that a great deal of flexibility was required. Access and availability of surveying equipment was problem free. Conducting the surveys was possible with two people but carrying them out throughout the winter months meant difficulties in communicating in the field, collating results and obtaining steady equipment. Additional equipment would have been the use of ‘walkie talkies’ and waterproof writing tablets to counteract against the often adverse weather conditions we experienced. Having only one person available to help with these surveys and being a long drive away, this also added to issues in adhering to the surveying schedule. Although this was sometimes frustrating it was unavoidable. Project manager Louise Hockley was a constant source of enthusiasm and offered assistance at all levels. Communications with Cornwall Council officials was dealt with by Louise although i felt more inclusion into the meeting process would have been beneficial to our project. However, that said, we did learn a lot about the nature of Cornwall Council.

I do feel that this project highlighted many importance aspects of the process of data gathering and that having completed the survey it is apparent that further surveys of the study site are required at a professional level to achieve a decisive management strategy to ensure ongoing storm protection and to alleviate local concerns regarding not only the study site but the public area behind the site.