Action taken to protect Exmouth’s beach

EXMOUTH S famous sandy beach has been getting a makeover – to protect the sand dunes loved by visitors and locals alike. Marram grass and fencing is being used to stop the erosion of the dunes by wind and tide during the winter storms. Now people are bein

EXMOUTH'S famous sandy beach has been getting a makeover - to protect the sand dunes loved by visitors and locals alike.

Marram grass and fencing is being used to stop the erosion of the dunes by wind and tide during the winter storms. Now people are being asked to do their bit to retain this natural feature of the beach.

Historically, Exmouth's dunes have been battered by weather and sea. Of late, they have been attacked by higher tides and even more storms, receding back towards the road with an estimated 40 per cent loss of dune depth.

In summer, many beach-goers walk over and picnic in the dunes; some use the steeper dunes as a slope to 'sledge' down, all adding to the erosion problem.

Every year, council contractors fight a battle with the wind, replacing sand on the beach, only to have it blown back on to the road.

Marram grass helps to slow down the wind over the dunes and traps sand naturally. Netting placed by council contractors this year aims to stabilise the sand and stop people damaging the dunes by creating special pathways for access.

An EDDC spokesman said: "We would ask people to help us protect the dunes for public enjoyment and to reduce the impact of potential flooding. Where possible, please keep to the designated/netted access ways.