Project to tackle invasive species on dunes across Northumberland Coast

Daniel Hall
·3-min read
Bamburgh Castle and sand dunes
-Credit: (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)


A nature recovery project begins this month aiming to tackle the rapid spread of invasive species on the dunes of the Northumberland Coast.

The network of sand dunes on the Northumberland coastline is of national significance, harbouring rare native plants as well as providing habitats for insects, reptiles and birds. It also shelters inland areas from coastal flooding and storms.

However, the dunes are under threat from invasive species which are interrupting the dunes' natural cycle of movement and crowding out the previously rich flora and fauna. Ivy, sea buckthorn and blackthorn are so entrenched that removal by hand is impossible, and a large scale mechanical removal will take place for the first time at Bamburgh and Warkworth.

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The programme also includes nature recovery work at dunes at Embleton Links, Buston and Alnmouth. While the works are undertaken, there may be some restrictions to visitor access across the dunes, as well as footpath diversions.

Project chiefs have encouraged the public to consult on-site signage for full details. The works are part of the LIFE WADER project, a five-year £5.8 nature recovery project, co-funded by the European Union which aims to improve the ecological condition of more than 49,000 hectares of river, coastal and marine habitat and improve water quality within the River Tweed catchment and along the Northumberland Coast.

An ivy bush on Bamburgh Dunes
An ivy bush on Bamburgh Dunes -Credit:Natural England

Liz Humphreys of Natural England and LIFE WADER project manager, said: "Northumberland holds 10% of the UK’s dune systems, but sadly these are in poor health, largely due to invasive species. These interlopers mainly come from illegal dumping of garden waste and occasionally escape in from local gardens.

"Dune landscapes are dynamic systems, always changing, growing and shifting. This movement is vital for them to support rich biodiversity and protect the coastline.

"Invasive species create a monoculture and stop this natural rhythm, pushing out a wealth of rare, specialised and fascinating wildlife in the process. Species like toads, lizards, butterflies, tiny orchids and cranesbill need the shifting sand and the spacious sanctuaries of the dune slacks to survive."

Ms Humphreys added: "Although using big machines in these fragile places may seem heavy-handed, it is essential to ensure the future survival of the dunes, and the work will be done with great sensitivity to wildlife, archaeology and access routes.

"The team of contractors will use several different types of machinery to effectively remove the plants. Sand dunes are robust habitats and once the ‘bully’ species are out, the native grasses and plants will have the opportunity to recolonise the bare sand quickly."

The LIFE WADER Project is working with landowners, the Northumberland Coast National Landscape, Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve and the National Trust to evaluate the success of this large-scale removal, aiming to create a long-term invasive removal programme and ensure a co-ordinated approach across the coastline. It is also partnering with Newcastle University to train drones to locate invasive species over large areas quickly; eventually allowing for faster eradication in the future.

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