{"id":28241,"date":"2023-06-16T15:01:07","date_gmt":"2023-06-16T13:01:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=41435"},"modified":"2023-06-16T16:39:34","modified_gmt":"2023-06-16T14:39:34","slug":"uk-sand-dune-guide-best-dunes-to-visit-and-wildlife-to-identify","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/uk-sand-dune-guide-best-dunes-to-visit-and-wildlife-to-identify\/","title":{"rendered":"UK sand dune guide: best dunes to visit and wildlife to identify"},"content":{"rendered":"

Britain’s sand dunes are teeming with wildlife, including hardy wildflowers butterflies and coastal birds. Learn more with our expert sand dunes guide, including wildlife identification and dunes to visit. <\/p>

By Phil Gates\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 16 June 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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There are few places that are as exhilarating to walk through as our UK coastal sand dunes, accompanied by the sounds of the tide lapping on the shore. But, take a moment to look down at your feet and you\u2019ll find these dunes are home to a wide variety of wildflowers<\/a>, insects<\/a> and birds<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Here is our expert guide to sand dunes in the UK, including the wildest dunes to visit and wildlife to spot. While you\u2019re on the coast, why not try beachcombing<\/a> and see what treasures you find or explore a rockpool<\/a>?<\/p>\n

Fancy a day at the coast? Take a look at our pick of the UK\u2019s best beaches<\/a> and beautiful coastal walks<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What are sand dunes?<\/h2>\n

Towering dunes, sometimes more than 60 feet tall, begin life as grains of wave-worn sand and seashell<\/a> fragments. These are blown along the beach until they become trapped among plants that grow above the strandline, such as the beautiful lilac-flowered sea rocket.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How are sand dunes formed?<\/h2>\n

Grassy plants such as sand couch and marram grass have deep fibrous roots that slowly bind the sand together, while more grains become trapped among their leaves that grow fast and resist burial.<\/p>\n

The lofty yellow dunes that form over time have shifting ridges that are among the harshest habitats for plant life, but coastal specialists thrive here, including sea holly\u00a0and the trailing stems of sea bindweed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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