Thursday 8 July 2021

Coastal Changes on Hoylake Beach


Natural coastal change is happening on Hoylake beach through the increased volume of sand being deposited on the shore, encouraging the growth of specialist sand dune and saltmarsh plants. This vegetation is capturing windblown sand. With further growth and stabilisation, fixed dunes will form, preventing sand from being blown onto the prom and nearby streets and gardens.

To try to counter the misinformation and misunderstanding on this subject, Dr Jane Turner (Hoylake resident, member of Cheshire and Wirral Ornithological Society and BTO surveyor) has created the infographics shown below. Jane has kindly allowed us to reproduce her work.

The changing profile of Hoylake beach
The changing profile of Hoylake beach

Diagram showing the process of dune ridge development at Hoylake beach
Diagram showing the process of dune ridge development at Hoylake beach

Grass capturing windblown sand
Grass capturing windblown sand


Why increasing amounts of sand are being blown onto the prom
Why increasing amounts of sand are being blown onto the prom


How much sand will the plants protect us from
How much sand will the plants protect us from


A comparison of Spartina and Puccinelia grasses
A comparison of Spartina and Puccinelia grasses


Fears v facts
Fears v facts


The effects of the changing beach on wading birds
The effects of the changing beach on wading birds


The effects of the changing beach on non-wading birds


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