BCP Council would like the views of residents and businesses at Sandbanks, on the sand dunes that provide a natural form of protection against coastal erosion and are home to Sand Lizards, which are a protected species.

South West Flood and Coastal (a shared service between BCP Council and East Devon District Council), has launched a survey to give people the chance to say what they think about the sand dunes at Sandbanks. The survey responses, alongside further research and data, will help inform the development of a Sandbanks Dune Management Study, which will be formally consulted on next year.

Sand dunes are ridges of sand found at the top of the beach, formed by the build-up of wind-blown sand. Vegetation helps to stabilise the dunes by binding the sand together with their roots.

Cllr Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy, said:

“Sand dunes play such an important role for coastal communities to help reduce the risk of coastal flooding and erosion. They also offer habitats to native plants, insects, reptiles, birds and amphibians, which is why it is important that the council has a clear policy to manage the sand dunes at Sandbanks, to ensure species, like the Sand Lizard, are protected.

“Sandbanks is a unique location, which following sand dune regeneration carried out in 1996 and 2001, has seen sand dunes grow and become well established. The sand dunes at Sandbanks are particularly exceptional, due to their proximity to the urban environment development and they endure intensive use by beach visitors, which means additional consideration needs to be given to their future management and development. They provide a natural means to take wave energy in a storm and protect the land behind them.

“I encourage people to take part in the survey, which I hope will also raise awareness of the importance of sand dunes within our coastal communities, particularly in light of the protected species that live on the dunes.”