This project involved creating four separate V notches in the existing dunes on Ainsdale Beach. Sand dunes are a sanctuary for special plants, insects, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. To support these creatures, and to provide a safe home, sand dunes need to be free to move and many dunes had become too stable and overgrown with vegetation.
The notch locations were carefully chosen so as not to disturb existing sand lizard populations, and the excavation work took place after the lizards emerged from winter hibernation, and before they began to breed and bury their eggs.
The dunes are up to 12m high and were carved open, with sand deposited inland creating the perfect habitat for Sand Lizards and Natterjack Toads, forming new areas of bare sand that these specialist species need to survive. In the future, sand will continue to blow inland improving the habitat further.
The dunes were very steep on the beach side, so a 14t excavator was used to create ramps up to the top of the dunes. The notches were then created using two D6T dozers, sometimes working in tandem, sometimes on their own. A total of 18,000m3 of sand was relocated over a two-week period.