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INTRODUCT ION
In the UK, we are blessed with 6000km of
uniquely diverse coastline. Much of this coastline
is hardy and rugged and erosion or retreat takes
place over a great period of time. Other areas
however are dynamic and can change
dramatically. Sand dunes are examples of the
latter and examples of these landforms can be
found distributed all around our coasts accounting
for 7.4% of the coastline and providing 120
separate examples that span the entire National
Vegetation Classification (Doody 2005). Dune
systems support a number of important functions.
They can accommodate vastly diverse varieties of
vegetation. One of the most important of these is
Ammophila arenaria. This resident of northern
temperate regions is a littoral grass which actively
joins together in large communities which act to
stabilise the dunes (Horwood 1919) by trapping
wind-blown sand, as well as fixation of the sand
substratum of the fore dunes (Van der Putten &
Peters 1995). These in turn act as ideal habitats
for many mammals, birds and invertebrates. As
well as this, dunes can also act as storm protection
and provide an ideal natural barrier to surge
(http://sciencesearch.defra.gov.uk) and potential
sea ingress resultant from predicted sea level rise.
They were used for agriculture and to provide
area’s for animals to graze. This led to
overexploitation (Gresswell 1953). Dune systems
continued to receive poor treatment with many
habitats being destroyed or enclosed by
development. They are sensitive areas and human
activities impact greatly. By the 1970’s trampling
and destruction of Cornish dunes was finally
A study of the morphology of a man made sand dune system (Porthtowan) DAFYDD PROPERT-LEWIS
Falmouth Marine School, Killigrew Street Falmouth, Cornwall, England TR11 3QS
A baseline study was conducted to provide a snapshot of the morphology of an artificially created sand
dune system occupying a small site on the north coast of Cornwall, England. Over a study period of six
months, bi-monthly transect surveys were conducted to chart dune morphology in conjunction with fixed
point photography and analysis of archive aerial photography. Statistical analysis confirmed significant
changes of mean heights for 2 0f 3 transects confirming that the dune was highly mobile. Long term
archive analysis also confirmed that substantial depletion of the fore dunes had occurred. A central blow
out section had also formed with high levels of sand drift forming at the hind dune. The rate of decline
suggested the need for decisive management in regards to maintaining protection from severe storms
Keywords: Sand dune, blow out, dune profile, fixed point photography, artificial, Ammophila arenaria
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Fig.1. the study area.
deemed to be unacceptable and measures were
put in place to manage and protect vulnerable
sites. These consisted mainly of planting and
fencing strategies to existing dunes as well as the
creation of some artificial areas
(http://www.cornwall.gov.uk). Effective
management relies upon the availability of
accurate information (Davies et al 2005) and this
was largely unavailable when the first
management plans were employed. Since then,
methods and knowledge of dune management
have undergone significant improvement.
MATER IALS AND
METHODS
Study area
The UK has examples of many different dune
types; however, Porthtowan, on the north coast of
Cornwall, has an artificially stabilised dune that
was established in the mid 1970’s and its enclosed
position and exposure to human impact has led to
a steady rate of decline. Porthtowan is a relatively
small village that lies amongst the scars of mining
industry that once prospered in the region. Since
the decline of the mining industry its main
industry is now tourism. Since experiencing a level
of decline throughout the late 1980’s, the village
has slowly regained popularity and has seen the
regeneration of some local businesses that has
helped swell visitor number throughout the
summer and holiday seasons.
The study area is the area of artificial dune of
limited biodiversity which is backed by a common
area. The western edge is bordered by a small
concrete sided stream, a small marram grass bank
and an access road that leads to the local surf club
building. To the east of the site there runs a road
which becomes an unpaved private track that
serves as an access to two dwellings, a bar and five
seasonal small businesses as well as parking for
six vehicles.
The study site has become a popular area for
beach goers as it offers protection from on shore
winds and offers the best areas of sand. The beach
faces a north westerly direction making it exposed
to the prevailing westerly winds and high levels of
wave energy. As the general attitude is to allow a
natural course of action to take place (Rooney
2010) this is not always the best or preferred
action. For example, in the case of Porthtowan,
natural succession is not an option due to the
enclosed nature of the site. The dunes were once
fenced off (http://www.cornwall.gov.uk), a
practice now seen as incompatible in the most
part and fixed paths were created to focus usage.
A pathway was constructed that created a route
for people to pass through the dunes, possibly to
minimise the risk of trampling. However, it was
soon destroyed during winter storms. This led to
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the reported use of a large mechanical digger
being employed to remove the structure,
potentially causing a great deal of damage to the
dunes. This in turn may have contributed to the
large blowout which has since seen the rate of
retreat increase with less Ammophila arenaria to
trap windblown sand, a problem the village
suffers and requires weekly cleaning of the
surrounding roads. The fore dune has also
undergone a visible levelling of profile and with a
larger, flatter area of sandy fore dune now
apparent; this has attracted more attention from
human impacts which in turn has created more
evidence of trampling which will possibly result
in even more decline of vegetation.
In terms of designation, Porthtowan lies in a Site
of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) area as well as
being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
(AONB) and is a World Heritage Site.
In the shoreline management plan compiled by
the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Coastal Advisory
Group (CISCAG), it identifies Porthtowan dunes
but states that “The preferred approach at
Porthtowan would be to manage the frontage
under a no active intervention policy” (CISCAG
2010). However, a little further on in the report
can be found the ‘Summary of Specific Policies’.
Here it states that the preferred option for the
dunes would be “to manage the frontage under a
no active intervention policy. Local management
of the dunes however is an important aspect of the
future well-being of the frontage (and this could
possibly be managed under a Managed
Realignment (MR) policy) as opposed to No Active
Intervention (NAI). In a more specific report into
Porthtowan by CISCAG, it further goes on to
recommend ‘appropriate dune management to
help protect the local amenities from becoming at
risk to flooding, possible enhancement and regular
surveying and monitoring whilst stating that no
further hard structures should be introduced’
(CISCAG 2010).
Data collection
Considering that dune systems are such dynamic
environments, a high level of monitoring and
surveying is required if they are to be properly
understood and that understanding to be passed
to the those responsible for the management plans
that govern them.
There are many methods currently employed.
Some are newly conceived areas of research
whereas others are an evolution of early methods.
Larger dune systems were subject to aerial
photography so sand migration and vegetated
growth could be mapped and studied. Curr et al
(2000) have evolved this practice along the
Mediterranean coast of France using infrared
digital photography. From this, dune condition can
be assessed via a relatively user friendly computer
program and features can be mapped, human
pressures can be identified and dune progression
or depletion more easily detected. As well as this,
photos are used to compare to other sites to gauge
differences of human pressures in relation to
population areas and various latitudes. Perhaps
unsurprisingly, the greatest impacts were found to
be where tourism population density was highest.
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Where aerial photography is undoubtedly a
valuable tool in dune monitoring, it is only really
viable for large areas of dunes. In comparison, a
less expensive and more suitable for long term
and smaller scale study might be that of long-term
landscape photography. In a case study at on the
Morfa Dyffryn dunes, Gwynedd, mid-Wales,
Millington et al. (2009) used a system of fixed
point and angle photography to ascertain dune
dynamics. The results would suggest that this type
of monitoring is a cost effective and successful
method of identifying relationships between
“upper beach dynamics, dune morphology, and
erosion/accretion processes” (Millington et al.
2009).
One the most cost effective and simple methods
for monitoring dunes is that of the profile survey.
Using any given number of transects, this can
potentially be conducted by as little as two people
in a relatively short time considering the area is of
small enough size to make it viable. Providing that
the chosen method is adhered to and enough data
is collected at marked points of time for a long
enough period, this simple technique is very
effective at mapping changes in dune structure.
Finding a suitable method is easy enough and can
be found in many field guide sources such as
(http://www.geographyteachingtoday.org.uk).
What could be a further extension to Millington et
al (2009) would be the use of GIS mapping.
Althausen Jr et al (2003) employed GIS in
conjunction with data collected via satellite
imagery to study sand dynamics in arid areas such
as the Arab Emirates. In comparison to fixed
terrestrial photography and aerial photography,
the overall cost is very high although the scale is
vastly greater and the economical implications of
sand encroachment for that region are vast. In
addition, the GIS method, not only becoming the
standard for “environmental sensitivity mapping,
geological exploration, natural resource inventory,
and urban development” (Althausen Jr et al 2003)
also offers consistent and reliable data over large
areas. However, operating a GIS is very high cost
with obtaining and interpreting the original input
data the largest single cost in GIS database
creation. (Althausen Jr et al 2003).
Beach profile survey
The beach profile surveys were conducted bi-
monthly along three transects A.B and C. Two
extendable ranging poles were used in
conjunction with clinometers to ascertain the
height of elevation over varying distances limited
by the rate of incline/decline. Where steep
inclines or declines were measured, distances
were shortened. This gave a varying set of data
points over each transect. Three fixed points at the
fore dune were established and each transect was
carried over the dunes and terminated at the
extremity of the study site. Two people were
employed in the process of surveying. The values
of height over distance were recorded and entered
into excel. These values were then subject to
cumulative addition to provide suitable data to
produce a graph that would illustrate the profile of
the three transects of the study area. Careful
consideration was shown when moving across the
dunes to cause minimal disturbance.
Consideration was also required due to the study
site being a public site.
Fixed point photography data collection
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Ho – Mean height in December = mean height in April
H1 – Mean height in December ≠ mean height of April T value is less than the critical value so we must accept the null hypothesis.
In conjunction with a profile survey, fixed point
photography was established at pre selected
points to chart any visible change. These photos
were collected at bi-monthly intervals and care
was taken to carefully replicate the same photo in
each instance. Camera settings were set at the
same settings and structures or points were used
to centralise the photograph. Using these
photographs, sand build-up and vegetation
growth or depletion can be analysed visually.
Archive data was also used and compared to
recent images to gain a better insight in the time
scale of dynamics at the site. Google earth can
provide suitable aerial archive images and in this
cas provide three separate images taken at four
yearly intervals.
Statistical Analysis
A paired t-test was used to compare the normally
distributed variables of height data collected at set
points along each transect. Comparisons were
made between the first and last month of the
survey to provide suitable data for statistical
analysis.
RESULTS
Table 1. Paired t-test results for December – April data along transect A
10m 15m 31m 41m 71m 91m 120m
December 1.7m 2.8m 7.17m 6.17m 1.69m 2.41m 3.24m
April 1.6m 2.7m 6.7m 6.3m 2.4m 2.5m 3.6m
Difference 0.1m 0.1m 0.47m -0.13m -0.71m -0.09m -0.36m
Mean value = 0.0886
Standard deviation = 0.347
t value = 0.625
Critical value = 1.943
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Ho – Mean height in December = mean height in April
H1 – Mean height in December ≠ mean height of April T value is greater than the critical value so we must reject the null hypothesis.
Ho – Mean height in December = mean height in April
H1 – Mean height in December ≠ mean height of April T value is greater than the critical value so we must reject the null hypothesis.
Table 2. Paired t-test results for December – April data along transect B
10m 20m 30m 50m 70m 80m 100m
December 1.2m 2.75m 3.05m 3.58m 2.70m 1.93m 2.18m
April 1.3m 2.3m 3.5m 4.8m 3.3m 3.9m 3.6m
Difference -0.1m 0.45m -0.45m -1.22m -0.6m -1.97m -1.42m
Mean value = -0.76
Standard deviation = 0.767
t value = 2.427
Critical value = 1.943
Table 3. Paired t-test results for December – April data along transect C
10m 15m 20m 25m 30m 40m 55m 70m
December 2.6m 3.38m 4.28m 5.56m 4.36m 3.26m 1.96m 2.68m
April 1.6m 2.4m 3.7m 4.4m 3.45m 1.55m 1.05m 2.25m
Difference 1m 0.98m 0.58m 1.16m 0.91m 1.71m 0.91m 0.43m
Mean value = 0.96
Standard deviation = 0.30158
t value = 2.07
Critical value = 1.943
Statistical analysis
A paired t-test was carried out in order to
determine if there were any significant differences
in mean dune heights on like transects between
December and April, the start and end month of
the survey. It showed that there was little change
on transect A (table 1) which covers the most
stable and substantial area of the dune. Transects
B and C were shown to have significant change in
mean heights. Transect B (table 2) covers the area
of the blow out and results suggest a leveling of
fore dune profile along with substantial increase
in dune height extending through the back dune.
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Transect C (table 3) also showed significant
change and a decrease in profile. Since transect C
is closest to the surf club and a large free parking
area, this is often the part of the dune that is
accessed by foot and experiences high levels of
trampling. These results were the expected
findings based on previous trends within the
study site.
A
B
C
0
2
4
6
8
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100105110115120125130
He
igh
t (m
)
Distance (m)
December transect A
0
2
4
6
8
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100105110115120125130135140
He
igh
t (m
)
Distance (m)
December transect B
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Fig.1. Dune profile data for December. Transect A is the most stable and substantial area which is offered some
protection from trampling by foot by fencing. Transect B illustrates the profile of blow out area. This area has been
observed to undergo the highest levels of trampling. There is now no vegetation through this area
A
B
0
2
4
6
8
0 25 50 135
He
igh
t (m
)
Distance (m)
-2
0
2
4
6
8
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115
He
igh
t (m
)
Distance (m)
February transect A
0
2
4
6
8
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95100105110115120125130135140145
Hie
ght
(m)
Distance (m)
February transect B
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C
Fig.2. Dune profile data for February.
A
B
0
2
4
6
8
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100105110115120125130135140
He
igh
t (m
)
Distance (m)
February transect C
0
2
4
6
8
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115
He
igh
t (m
)
Distance (m)
April transect A
0
2
4
6
8
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100105110115120125130135140145
He
igh
t (m
)
Distance (m)
April transect B
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C
Fig. 3. Dune profile data for April
A
B
0
2
4
6
8
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100105110115120125130
He
igh
t (m
)
Distance (m)
April transect C
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Fig.5. Fixed point photography over a period of ten years. (A) January 2011. (B) Circa 2001. Photo shows extent of
vegetation loss and alteration of dune profile. The substantial fore dune in photo B is largely absent in photo A.
Vegetation has remained in areas closest to fencing although the fore dune fencing has been destroyed. The free
public car park has a bridge that provides access directly to the dune and trampling is evident.
A
B Access points to study area
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C
Fig.6. Fixed point photography from an elevated position. (A) December. (B) February and (C) April. (A) Shows
designated access points although access can, and is, made at virtually all points surrounding study site. (B) shows
existing fencing. (C) Shows human interaction with study site.
A
Areas of existing fencing
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B
C
Fig. 7. Fixed point photographs from an access bridge located in free, public car park adjoin surf club building.
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Fig. 8. Aerial photography for 12/31/2001. This photo illustrates locations of transects A, B and C. Vegetation is
relatively abundant although undesignated pathways through the study site are clearly visible. Pathway from
bridge across the study site to access road is still apparent in 2001 and marks the limit to back dune. Blowout area
through transect B is becoming to be apparent. Fore dune vegetation and protective fencing still visible. River is
directed away from dunes onto the beach.
A
B
C
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Fig. 9. Aerial photography for 12/31/2005. Vegetation reduced especially in fore dune area where management
structures have been implemented and renewed fencing installed. Blow out area has breached the pathway by
several meters in 2 separate areas marked with arrows. Pathways still apparent but less defined as vegetation
becomes reduced.
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Fig.10.Fore dune management structures largely absent and fore dune fencing no longer in situ. Blow out area
has greatly breached pathway, shown by arrows, and pathway from the bridge to the access road is no longer
apparent. The river bank alongside the dune appears damaged and the river has undergone widening at the point
of entry to the beach, possibly as a consequence. Partial fencing remains at front sides of study site.
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D I SCUSS ION
Although Cornwall has a wealth of managed and
protected sand dunes, Porthtowan is unique in
that is an artificial system that occupies such a
limited area. It has clearly undergone many
attempts at protection and management but has
slowly succumbed to effects of weathering and
human interaction over time with a hastening of
degradation over the past 10 years with the
development of the blow out and the removal of
the fore dune. It has been difficult to obtain much
in the way of comparison data in terms of profiling
but photographic archive data seems to support
the notion that the blow out process is happening
at a significant rate as statistical evidence shown
in tables 2 & 3 would suggest. What is also an
unknown quantity is the manner of sand particle
inputs and whether processes in adjoining cells
have attributed towards the morphology of the
study site. Likewise, since the decreasing level of
vegetation within the study site has meant the
constant removal of blown sand build up from
surrounding highways, whether this affects dune
health is unknown. It has been suggested that all
sand removed from the nearby highways is
returned to the beach although no visible evidence
of this has been observed during the duration of
the study period. Local attitude is that the current
situation is not acceptable with the back drifting
sand obscuring established designated paths and
encroaching public areas. Likewise, local
businesses and owners or properties have
remarked displeasure at the increasing height of
the back drift as in some cases, sea views have
become obscured. It is likely that without some
interaction, these problems will continue. Further
loss of dune vegetation will possibly lead to
increased blown sand levels.
However, as has been observed in the past, certain
management techniques no longer adhered to
may cause more negative impacts than positive in
the long term. For example, structures placed on
the dunes in order to provide designated access
through the study site have had little success in
reducing trampling and have been quickly
destroyed by winter storms or covered by sand
due to the dynamics of the site as is evident in
figure 11 below
Fig. 11. Wooden walkway through blow out area of
the study site later destroyed by storms.
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Fig. 12. Wooden walkway structure through blow out
area of study site. Later removed by mechanical digger.
Fig. 13. The study site as of 03/05/2011
In addition to the interference that the
construction of this walkway posed, the manner in
which it was removed, with a mechanical digger,
could be observed to be somewhat insensitive to
the delicate nature of the small study site. While
this occurrence cannot be directly attributed to
any specific damage to the dune, it can be assumed
that the effect it caused was not a positive one.
Fig. 14. Currently remaining management
structures
Unfortunately, Information regarding the removal
was not available from a Cornwall Council
representative. Likewise, further management
structures as visible in figure 9 suffered a similar
fate as to the walkway although they partially
remain and statistical data in table 1 would
suggest that they have had a positive effect since
transect A showed no significant change in mean
height throughout the study period.
Data gathering
The collection of data for this baseline study was
essentially a learning process. At each stage of the
study period, techniques were revised and
improved. What was clear throughout and after
the survey was the important requirement of
duplication throughout the process. During a
profile survey, slight, featureless elevations would
allow longer distances to be measured and
likewise steeper elevations would have to be
measured at shorter distances. It is clear now that
a preferential method of measuring the profile
would be to use 5m or less increments throughout
the entire transects. This not only would provide a
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more accurate profile but would allow for more
accurate statistical analysis when ascertaining
significant changes to mean height. It was also
apparent that transects running not only the
length of the study site but also across would
provide a more comprehensive overall picture.
Fixed point photography and aerial
observations
Obtaining fixed point photography data was
undoubtedly a cost effective and useful source of
data. The topography of the site allowed an
effective vantage point to provide a good overview
of the site. However, obtaining photographic
archive data was difficult although once found, it
was relatively simple to replicate the position of
the photo for current comparison. Google earth
also proved to be a very useful resource and
provided interesting comparisons to be made over
a larger timescale. These images also highlighted
past management techniques, changes in
vegetation and areas of human interaction by
illustrating pathways made by trampling through
the study site. It was a very cost effective means of
analysing aerial data.
CONCLUSION
Having spent much of my life at Porthtowan i have
witnessed the changes to the sand dunes first
hand. Though initially a well fenced and stocked
dune, its small area and topography provide a
sandy area that offers protection from the wind
and people naturally gravitate towards it
regardless of measures to prevent otherwise. On
one hand there is the fact that the dunes are
identified in offering substantial flood and sea
protection from rising sea levels that would
otherwise have to be provided by hard structures
such as the stone gabions fronting the surf club
area. There would appear to be two courses of
action at this point. The most expensive in the
short term would be a managed retreat. This
would involve replanting, reengineering and re-
profiling to maintain defence integrity as outlined
in the Sand Dune Processes and Management for
Flood and Coastal Defence Technical Summary:
FD1302, Joint Defra / EA Flood and Coastal
Erosion Risk Management R&D programme
released in 2007. Substantial fencing structures
would again be required to prevent access during
replanting. This approach could be employed in
conjunction with the education of local school
children into the factors surrounding sea level rise
and the importance of the protection of such
features such as sand dune systems. Possibly the
area could be more prominently utilised as a
conservation area with a view to the continuation
of providing flood and storm protection to the
village in the long term. Alternatively, the
continuing approach of no active intervention
would, I believe, see a steady decline of existing
vegetation and an increased rate of drifting sand
across the hind dunes which even at its current
state is seen as largely unacceptable by a number
of local residents. This would also result in a
greater volume of blown sand required to be
removed from the public highways. This method
of approach would probably result in the
requirement of a decisive management plan at a
later date to ensure alternative storm protection
in the future. It seems the most realistic addition
in the short term aid to the aid the reduction of
vegetation loss due to trampling would be the
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installation of clear and educational signage at
strategic positions around the dune site. There
currently exists a number of small signs directly
on the dunes which are both uninformative and
ineffective (figure 15).
Fig. 15. Current signage.
In addition to these signs there is also a sign on
the frontage of the local seafront bar (figure 16)
which provides slightly more information.
Fig. 16. Additional signage
Although this is an improvement on the signs
located on the dunes, it is in very small writing
and located away from the dunes where it is rarely
read.
Although the addition of larger signs in a more
prominent position will not be enough alone to
prevent people from trampling over the dunes, it
would be a small step in providing education and
creating awareness as to the importance of the
dunes not only as delicate habitat but also as an
SMP recognised means of sea defence that could
safeguard local businesses and amenities in the
years ahead.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I would like to express my thanks to Louise
Hockley for her enthusiasm, advice and assistance
throughout this project. I would also like to thank
Max Adcock for his assistance in conducting the
surveys, without whom, it simply would not have
happened and also Falmouth marine school for
the use of the equipment required to carry out the
surveys.
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Houston, J., et al., 2001. Coastal dune
management: shared experience of European
conservation practice. Liverpool, Liverpool
University Press.
Rooney, P., 2010. Changing perspectives in
coastal dune management. Journal of Coastal
Conservation [online]. Available at:
http://www.springerlink.com/content/u1h5845v
p5807q54/fulltext.pdf [04.11.10]
Sand Dune Processes and Management for
Flood and Coastal Defence Technical
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Correspondence should be addressed to:
D.I Propert-Lewis
8, Trekye Cove, Sandy Road
Porthtowan, Truro
Cornwall
England
TR48UL
Email:[email protected]
MANAGEMENT STRATEGY CRITIQUE
From the outset this project was a learning experience. Data collection techniques were improved at each
stage resulting in better collection methods for each successive survey. Although a rigid surveying schedule
was drawn up, weather conditions, college work and personal matters would mean that a great deal of
flexibility was required. Access and availability of surveying equipment was problem free. Conducting the
surveys was possible with two people but carrying them out throughout the winter months meant difficulties
in communicating in the field, collating results and obtaining steady equipment. Additional equipment would
have been the use of ‘walkie talkies’ and waterproof writing tablets to counteract against the often adverse
weather conditions we experienced. Having only one person available to help with these surveys and being a
long drive away, this also added to issues in adhering to the surveying schedule. Although this was sometimes
frustrating it was unavoidable. Project manager Louise Hockley was a constant source of enthusiasm and
offered assistance at all levels. Communications with Cornwall Council officials was dealt with by Louise
although i felt more inclusion into the meeting process would have been beneficial to our project. However,
that said, we did learn a lot about the nature of Cornwall Council.
I do feel that this project highlighted many importance aspects of the process of data gathering and that
having completed the survey it is apparent that further surveys of the study site are required at a professional
level to achieve a decisive management strategy to ensure ongoing storm protection and to alleviate local
concerns regarding not only the study site but the public area behind the site.
