Factors affecting dune mobility in Newborough, Wales

Coastal dune systems globally are stabilising through rapid colonisation by vegetation, a phenomena commonly attributed to climate change. Rising concerns about declining bare sand habitats have driven a new ethos in coastal dune management (mainly in NW Europe) most frequently termed dune ‘rejuvenation’. Interventions aim to promote dune mobility and reverse stabilization via removal of vegetation, creating new bare sand areas in which certain species can thrive. In 2015, dune rejuvenation works were undertaken at Newborough dune field (N Wales). This study ascertains whether the assumption that climate change being the primary driver of dune stabilisation is correct and provides preliminary results on the effects of dune rejuvenation at this site. Changes to vegetation cover were quantified using aerial photographs from 1950, 2013, 2015 and 2018, and climate data were used to calculate the Lancaster’s Mobility Index. Confirmatory results of previous research showed that, contrary to what has been commonly suggested, climate was not a primary driver of dune stabilisation, and that high mobility levels in the 1950s were likely driven by past disturbances.