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Stop 9: Beach and sand dunes

Head through the sand dunes and across the boardwalk which was built from recycled timber from Boscombe Pier, designed to protect the sand dunes from erosion.

Sand lizard

Sand lizards

We have two areas of dunes at Hengistbury Head, one close to the area of car park and the other close to the Long Groyne. These constantly shifting habitats are an important home to many fragile species.

 

Within the last decade, sand lizards, captively bred at Marwell, were translocated here in a joint project with the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, the aim was to return a population to Hengistbury Head after they had previously disappeared.

 

Natterjack toads also use this habitat to burrow into and the plant populations include some rarities, such as sea holly, prickly saltwort and sea knotgrass.

Dog by the shore and rocks.

Or if your pup like a quick dip, then why not head down to the shoreline for a stroll? Just make sure you won't be disturbing any birds who are feeding or resting on the shoreline or bobbing in the sea.

 

If you head down to the shoreline, you may see some patterns carved into some of the rocks by the groynes. These were introduced by Bournemouth University by Dr Alice Hall to create some artificial rockpool habitats in this area for marine life!