Sand dunes as “ secret superheroes” in protecting against storms and climate change was the theme of a public event on Galway’s Grattan Beach last weekend.
Seashore safaris, sandcastle building and more were planned by the Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) Atlantic Seaboard North and partners.
The event is part of a “protect our dunes” campaign to highlight the value of sand dune environments.
Galway City Council biodiversity officer Paula Kearney said that people had the opportunity to discover hidden treasures, including a myriad of seaweeds, mermaid’s purses, hermit crabs, tiny flatfish, gobies, blennies and glass eels.
“Grattan Beach is part of a really important pilot “living lab”, where we are testing nature-based solutions to manage the dunes,” she explained.
New sand fencing was installed at Grattan beach this summer to encourage dune formation.
“ Healthy sand dunes support habitats and birds such as the meadow pipit and the oystercatcher, while also protecting Grattan Road from coastal flooding and erosion,” she said.
She said that dune grasses and plants are very fragile, and can be damaged by trampling, sliding down the dune face, wild camping and campfires, sports training, and roaming dogs.
Read more about “Protect our Dunes” here