Dynamic Dunescapes was an ambitious project, rejuvenating some of England & Wales' most important sand dunes for people, communities and wildlife.
Many of us know and love sand dunes as beautiful coastal landscapes, but they are also important biodiversity hotspots. These dunes are a sanctuary for rare species which are perfectly adapted to live in sand. At a healthy dune, you could find orchids, toads, birds and lizards thriving!
But these special creatures are at risk. Over time, many dunes have become covered by grass and scrub which have over-stabilised the sand, and invasive species have overtaken native ones. We now know that a dune environment needs areas of freely-moving sand, healthy sheltered dune slacks and areas with low vegetation to support its diverse wildlife. We have used pioneering conservation techniques to rejuvenate the dunes and improve their shifting sands for our threatened wildlife.
The main project delivery phase came to an end in September 2025 and we have made our resources and learnings available to inform future conservation activity.
DuneLIFE Summary Report
We have put together a summary of the achievements and highlights of the project as a whole, and by each location. It includes our approach to conservation, engagement, communication, and skills development, as well as a reflection on the legacy of the project and the partners' commitment for the future. You are welcome to download it and share any learnings you may find useful for your own projects.
Sand Dune Managers Handbook Version 2
We have developed a comprehensive handbook discussing the wide range of dune management options available to address the issues faced by coastal sand dune systems, including overstabilisation and invasive species. Management interventions detailed include notches, grazing, turf-stripping and scrub clearance. This handbook is designed to be a useful, in-depth resource for sand dune site managers, and aims to keep our management techniques up to date for the needs of dune conservation in a variety of situations.
Dynamic Dunescapes for you
Whether you're exploring with your family, ready to join our volunteers or seeking innovative student research opportunities there’s a side of Dynamic Dunescapes for everyone.
Sand Dune Education Resources
From lesson plans to Dune Battle (a Top Trumps-style dune species game) we've created a range of sand dune ecology and conservation resources for science teachers.
Sand Dune Management Case Studies
Featuring breakdowns of our engagement and management work, covering everything from invasive species removal to dementia inclusive events.
Dynamic Dunescapes main project reports
Access the full collection of detailed technical, monitoring, AfterLIFE and evaluation documents produced by the Dynamic Dunescapes project.
Celebrating World Sand Dune Day
World Sand Dune Day is celebrated annually by coastal communities and projects across the world, established by Dynamic Dunescapes and Sands of LIFE, two projects working to restore coastal sand dune systems.
