Botanising among 3 miles of golden sand

Sometimes we get to work in some great locations and this season we’ve been mapping habitats and surveying rare plants within the sand dunes at Hayle. The dunes form the backdrop to an expansive beach proudly known locally as Hayle’s ‘three miles of golden sand’.

Sand dunes are fascinating places to work, the way the vegetation changes so dramatically as you move inland  really demonstrates the ability of plants to adapt to their surroundings. At the exposed seaward edge sand blasted marram grass thrives where little else can survive. At the other extreme, increased shelter inland enables a diverse range of wildflowers, including many rarities, to thrive.

Ecology Partners were delighted to be able to contribute to the management of this important site by providing data on habitat distribution and the locations of rare, as well as invasive alien, plant species. The dunes (or towans) at Hayle are part of the second largest dune-system in Cornwall and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).  The area has enjoyed a varied history having played host to a foundry, a power station and a dynamite works in the past. Nowadays the pressures come largely from residential development and tourism; the heavy industry has been replaced by surfers, dog walkers and holiday-makers…as well as the occasional botanist!