Your views on Sand Dunes at Sandbanks

We are asking residents and businesses for their views on the management of sand dunes at Sandbanks in Poole. Your views will help us develop the options for sand dune management which we will then formally consult on as part of the Sandbanks Dune Management Study.

Sandbanks is host to a system of sand dunes which provide a natural form of protection against coastal erosion. Dunes are part of the area's character and play an important role creating habitat for rare and protected species. However, their spread can result in the build-up of sand affecting access points to the beach and cause wind-blown sand to build-up near to or on property. The dune habitat can also be trampled or damaged by beach users.

What are sand dunes?
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.

Why are they important?
Sand dunes provide important, cost-effective and natural protection to inland areas which prevents flooding and coastal erosion which can damage properties and infrastructure. They also provide crucial habitat to native plants and lizard species.

What are the challenges?

As sand lizards / protected species are now found in the sand dunes, it means we have a legal duty to protect the sand dune habitat for the benefit of these species. This limits what, when, where and how any works can occur to address the management of the following challenges:

• Storms - periodically cause the seaward side of dunes to erode, reducing the coast protection and habitat functions of the dunes
• Visitor trampling - excessive/repetitive trampling of sand dune habitat can reduce/destroy vegetation height and cover
• Beach accessibility - some access paths have become buried by sand, preventing easy access to the beach for all users
• Sand encroachment - stormy winters can cause a build-up of wind-blown sand on the promenade, beach huts, buildings and property walls which are not designed to take the weight of sand building up against them
• Reduction of sea views - the height and spread of sand dunes may block views from land and properties behind the dunes
• Reduction of privacy - the height and spread of dunes may reduce the level of privacy properties behind the dunes have.

How to take part

Please tell us your views by:

• Reading the briefing document and completing the online survey

• Dropping pins and commenting on specific areas of Sandbanks using the interactive map

• Paper versions of the information document and survey are available in all of BCP's libraries

• Downloading a paper copy of the survey here and returning it to the address below by the deadline:
  
  Sandbanks Sand Dune Survey, Research and Consultation Team, BCP Council, Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth, BH2 6DY; or drop them into the 'Have Your Say' boxes in any of BCP’s libraries.

The survey will close at midnight on 30 September 2024. If you have any questions or need the survey in a different format, please email coastal@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.