Sand dune strandline

The zone above the beach where litter accumulates and the first plants begin to appear. This is usually at or near high water, though it varies with the tides. In areas of relatively high accretion rates a sequence of vegetation types develops (see Picture opposite)

Caption: Strandline and accreting foredune with sand couch Elytrigia juncea (Magilligan Dunes Northern Ireland)

The strandline may support important and sometimes very rare invertebrates. The practice of 'beach cleaning' for tourists using mechanical means can harm these species. It may also have a negative affect on the stability of the foredune by preventing the earliest stages in dune growth.