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.
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| The changing profile of Hoylake beach |
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| Diagram showing the process of dune ridge development at Hoylake beach |
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| Grass capturing windblown sand |
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| Why increasing amounts of sand are being blown onto the prom |
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| How much sand will the plants protect us from |
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| A comparison of Spartina and Puccinelia grasses |
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| Fears v facts |
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| The effects of the changing beach on wading birds |
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| The effects of the changing beach on non-wading birds |
