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A still from the video.
THREE community groups working to protect dune systems in Maharees, Fenit and Banna have come together with the support of Clean Coasts to create an awareness-raising film on sand dunes in time for World Sand Dune Day which takes place on June 25.
The film, which features members of the Maharees, Fenit and Banna communities, highlights the importance of sand dunes as a coastal defense and as a wildlife habitat.
It also showcases work being done to protect the sand dunes and lists ways that the public can help in the effort.
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The simplest piece of advice is to walk on the beach and main dune pathways and keep off the sand dunes – this action protects the dune vegetation which keeps the dunes strong and healthy.
“We are very grateful to Clean Coasts for the grant which allowed us to make this short shareable film,” said Huw Roberts, Maharees Conservation Association.
“We hope that everyone who loves these beautiful coastal areas can share this film to get the message out there because we find that once people realise that their actions can hinder or help communities in dune protection work, they are happy to cooperate. Most people just don’t realise how fragile Marram grass and other dune plants actually are and how important they are for dune stability.”
“Fenit Coast Conservation (FCC) notes that World Sand Dune Day is an opportunity to highlight the value, vulnerability and key pressures that threaten critical coastal barriers such as the Fenit Island Tombolo and the dunes of Banna and the Maharees,” said Patricia O’Halloran of Fenit Coast Conservation.
“Banna Coastcare is delighted to be part of this production in helping to raise awareness about the importance of our sand dune systems and habitats,” said Rachel Geary of Banna Coastcare.
The film can be viewed here: https://fb.watch/dMiQ-1QPOA/
Each of the communities involved in the film are also hosting events to mark World Sand Dune Day – all happening on Saturday 25th June.
Maharees Conservation Association CLG is organising Marram grass planting (meeting 10am on Saturday 25th June at Béal Geal (Blue Flag beach) car park, Maharees).
Banna Coastcare are organising a beach clean and a sand dune awareness talk (meeting 10am on Saturday 25th June at the main car park, Banna).
Fenit Coast Conservation are organizing a beach clean and sand dune protection project (meeting 10am on Saturday 25th June at Fenit Island Tombolo Strand).
