| |
Deforestation of dunes
Removing plantations on dunes to restore open dune habitat has only a limited
and very recent history. Existing economic values of the forest itself, other
interests that have built up as the forest matures (e.g. some nature conservation
values as well recreational use), the perceived threat to the sea defences and
local opposition to change, all militate against action. However, today there
is increasing recognition that the extensive planting programme of past decades
may have harmed the conservation value of many dune systems. In Denmark, for
example, a programme of deforestation was begun in 1992. By 1999 850ha of open
dune has been restored and during the next 5-8 years c. 90ha a year are proposed
to be clear-felled (Ovesen 2001).
Other examples include:
|
Guidance: In areas where extensive dune afforestation has taken
place consideration should be given to removing or at least allowing erosion
to restore habitat. Note this is a developing policy on the Acquitaine
coast of France.
|
References
Ovesen, C.H.
2001.
Management of Danish dunes today: theory and practice.
In: Coastal Dune Management: Shared Experience of European Conservation Practice, eds.Houston, J.A., Edmondson, S.E. & Rooney, P.J.Liverpool University Press, 302-305.
|
|
