Shifting sands

19 December 2011

Tweet

We're feeling so Christmassy here in Coleraine that we're planting Christmas trees in the sand! At least that's what one tourist thought when she asked for an explanation.

We're actually working on a project to help stabilise the shifting sand dune system at the Whiterocks, Portrush.

This involves transplanting Marram Grass from the leeward side of the dunes into the exposed gullies and blow holes on the windward side through which the winter storms can whip up and dump tonnes of sand inland on the golf greens. The erosion of the dunes is exacerbated by the activities of visitors during the summer months - so think twice about sliding down the dunes next time you take a day out to the seaside!

The Coleraine Conservation Action Team collect brashing from felled fir trees on Forest Service sites and this is pushed into the sand forming a matrix of cover for the newly transplanted grass until it gets established.

Royal Portrush Golf Club has contracted our team to carry out this valuable work for a period each winter. This is quite gruelling work as the brashing has to be man-handled up the steep slopes and exposed skin gets sand-blasted with the full force of the winds hitting the North Coast. The views out over the Skerries are some compensation!