Natural processes at work? 1st February 2017

By its very nature the coastline of the UK is in a constant state of change, no more so on the Welsh coast here at Pembrey Burrows.

Dune systems play a number of important roles in the protection of the hinterland, and therefore are at their best when allowed to be dynamic in nature, with the Burry Inlet facing the full force of most Atlantic weather systems it doesn't take much to impact the resilience of the dune system.

The fore-dunes at the eastern end of the reserve,

with an eroded face with displaced Sea Buckthorn on the beach

It can be quite awe inspiring to see the erosive effects on the  seaward face of the dunes with many metres being lost during a single storm.

Of course all this sand has to go somewhere and currently accretion is taking place in two main areas, one being "the Nose" on the eastern boundary of the reserve, the other is at one main point half way down the beach on the reserve's southern boundary. All of this is perfectly natural, or is it?

The "Nose" at the eastern end of the reserve where accretion is happening rapidly,

although a good storm can soon reverse the process

I pose that question because it is a natural process that produces the very best dune systems however what impact is climate change having, with more storms and confused seasons it will be interesting to see the longer term impacts, in dune systems, a few decades can be the "longer term".

Neil one of the stalwart volunteers spotted evidence of our largest mammal well away from its expected range, albeit a few tracks and a "dung pit" nevertheless very interesting.

Badger tracks and ""dung pit" or latrine, complete with Badger poo!