A novel way of rebuilding and protecting Tramore's iconic sand dunes
The new chestnut fencing protecting Tramore's sand dunes.
Did you know that chestnut could be a major step forward in protecting Tramore’s iconic dunes?
The Tramore Eco Group recently installed lines of chestnut fencing and replanted marram grass in the more sparse areas of the dunes.
The initiative is supported by Waterford City and County Council.
Waterford City and County Council Biodiversity Officer, Marina Mulligan, explained that chestnut is an ideal coast-proof barrier.
She said the most important thing is its permeability so when the wind goes through it, it doesn’t fall down.
It doesn’t get damp and break down, it can handle salt water and sand that accumulates behind it, “mimics vegetation” and helps to rebuild the dunes.
The group are also replanting the marram grass.
If you walk along the dunes you may notice bald spots where the grass has worn away.
But the grass is what keeps the dunes together and is home to an array of flora and fauna.
According to Marina, the group is taking marram grass from one area to replant in another area.
“It’s a bit like a hair transplant,” said Marina.
This is really important because it means the genetics are the same.
According to the Co-ordinating Ecologist for Tramore Eco Group and Project Sand, Katriina Bent, the dunes are an iconic landmark for the town, but that’s not all.
“The sand dunes are a significant climate protector for communities,” said Katriina.
The dunes in Tramore are some of the highest in the country and act as a barrier between the sea and the town.
If they are eroded away, Tramore would flood. The dunes are also habitats for an array of flora and fauna.
But Katriina says as they survey the area, the more the group are aware of the pressure the dunes are under.
She said the increasing amount of storms, walkers and dogs off-leash contribute to erosion.
The fencing the group are installing not only stops people sliding down or climbing the most vulnerable parts of the dunes but actually helps the dunes rebuild.
This point was also made by Marina who said: “I know we all probably slid down sand hills when we were younger, I have too, I grew up in Kerry, but we are very aware now of how much damage that does."
Replanting the marram grass helps bind the dunes, making them stronger.
Katriina recommends that a designated path be instituted on the dunes and outside of that walkers go around the dunes at low tide.
Dogs should be on leash and waste be collected as it interferes with the quality of the soil on the dunes.
Off-leash they can also disturb nesting birds in the area, which can prevent them from breeding.
“It’s not just a big sandbox,” said Katriina.
The Tramore Eco Group is open to anyone who wants to get involved.
They are active on social media, particularly on Facebook and Instagram.
And, a good place to get started is to join one of the group’s weekly beach cleans.
The group meet outside Molly’s cafe on Tramore's Promenade every Wednesday at 11am and do a litter pick along the beach.
Ricky Grogan has been a member for two years and told us that he joined to give back to Tramore.
“It is good from an environmental point of view, but there is also the learning and the experience,” said Ricky.
Ricky said that one thing that he learned from the clean-up is that the smallest amounts of plastics can have the biggest impact.
