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Restoring State 3, fixed overgrown - State 2 Open/Semi-mobile
sand dunes
There are two approaches which are covered here which are dependent on the
way in which the stability has come about. The first occurs through 'neglect'
notably the absence of grazing and the second through deliberate planting of
non-native forest. These two approaches are:
- Controlling scrub
Sand dunes which have become overgrown by coarse grassland. Moving from State
3 Overgrown to State
2 Open/Semi-mobile can be relatively easy when in the early stages
of succession to more stable forms. Though stock levels may initially require
to be higher than those traditionally employed, to help remove the coarser grasses,
thereafter grazing
regimes appropriate to the type of dune vegetation will be required.
Where there is extensive scrub growth restoration is more problematic and introducing
or re-introducing grazing may not be enough. In these situations the removal
of the invasive
woody species must be undertaken first.
- Removing forests
This state is frequently found where former stabilisation techniques have been
successful. Forests and agriculture provide the most frequently encountered
examples where stabilisation has modified the dune to such an extent that its
origins may be difficult to establish. Restoring open dune formations requires
the removal of mature woodland (deforestation).
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Guidance: Once the more vigorous vegetation is removed other,
more traditional approaches to restoration can be applied, including sod
removal or mowing
for dune slacks and grassland respectively. Restoring dune
heath may also employ these methods.
As far as can be ascertained restoring dunes and dune dynamics on former
agricultural land has not been attempted. This should be considered as
a possible method for habitat restoration, especially where it involves
allowing mobile sand is allowed to roll-over farmland.
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