Posted: 12 September 2008
Free workshop offers dunes a chance
People interested in learning more about the importance of sand dunes - and ways to help protect them - are being urged to attend a free workshop at Baylys Beach next month.
The Northland Regional Council, which is supporting the free workshop, says dunes play an important role in protecting beaches from coastal erosion and flooding.
“The workshop provides participants with the opportunity to learn more about natural dune formation and function, dune restoration through planting and the role of local communities in dune protection,” says Laura Shaft, Northland Regional Council’s CoastCare Co-ordinator.
The workshop is the first in a series of similar national events organised by the New Zealand Dune Restoration Trust and funded by the Ministry for the Environment's Sustainable Management Fund.
It aims to create awareness of the potential effects of climate change on coastal communities and the role dunes can play in hazard reduction.
“If we protect the dunes, they’ll protect us and our properties. Dunes play an important role in protecting beaches from coastal erosion and flooding, and they rely heavily on plants to trap sand,” Ms Shaft says.
“We aim to encourage communities to get involved in local planting efforts, which will ultimately increase the biodiversity and natural character of their sand dunes and protect their beaches.”
The workshop will be held in the Church Hall in Seaview Rd, Baylys Beach, from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, 18 October. A free lunch, morning tea and afternoon tea will be provided. Ms Shaft says registration for the event is essential by Tuesday, 30 September.