Sandscale Haws

Sandscale Haws

Physical Structure

Sandscale haws are a large scale dune ecosystem in the United Kingdom.

The dune ecosystem is built up of many types of dunes, I will now

describe the structure of Sandscale haws and how it was created. For

dunes to form there are a set of preconditions that must be readily

available- firstly a large supply of medium grain sand., this is

important as lighter sand will drift too fast and heavy sand cannot be

moved by the winds, fortunately the duddon estuary provides this at

Sandscale haws. Secondly there must be a prevailing wind that has

enough strength and consistency to form dunes. Lastly there must

already be some sort of obstruction e.g. rocks or drift wood from

which the dunes can be built up around. Sandscale haws are built upon

a pebble beach that has been covered with sand by the wind that has

collected sand particles form the estuary at low tide.

The first dunes that are found are embryo dunes, these are dunes that

have just been created and will eventually become larger until they

become yellow dunes "primary-dunes". These embryo dunes are created

when a small object such as a stone or shell obstructs the flow of the

movement of sand with the wind. As this happens the object eventually

becomes covered with sand. As it gets larger becomes more stable and

therefore habitable. With the saline conditions around the sea very

few plant species can colonise. Marram grass is one of these pioneer

species that can its covers the dune embryos and allows them to become

more stabilised.

The next formation stage is of fore dunes; these can be up to a meter

high and are the successors of emb...

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...osion by wind

Replace footpaths with wooden boardwalks to stop channelling.

Ban some areas completely for all users

grazing

Erect more electric fences to protect specialist areas.

Limit further the amount of livestock than can enter an area.

Roads and motor sports

Allow a limited number of secure parking spaces and patrol the area.

Emplace yellow lines along all adjoining roads with heavy fines.

Ban all motor sports on the dunes.

litter

Litter bins should be regularly emptied and frequently placed.

A patrol officer could be hired to stop any unlawful dumping.

Large amounts of people

Issue pre booked groups only to visit the area

.

increase the toll to visit the area.

Have a limit on the number of people that can enter. Any over this

limit are simply turned away.