Gronant Dunes Local Nature Reserve

Due to its outstanding wildlife value, the entire dune system and foreshore has been notified by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It also represents the only surviving largely unmodified remnant along the North Wales coastline of a once more extensive dune system. Elsewhere, it has largely been replaced with a sea wall. Here, it still serves a valuable function as a natural sea defence.

This area forms an attractive unspoilt length of coastline and an outstanding local landscape feature in this part of North Wales and, being located immediately to the east of the popular holiday resort of Prestatyn, both Gronant and Talacre dunes are visited by large numbers of holidaymakers and local residents. The main pressure on the area is from this informal recreational use which has caused or accelerated erosion problems within the dune system.

The entire dune system is in three main ownerships, with Denbighshire County Council owning most of the dune system. The adjacent foreshore is leased by the authority from the Crown Commissioners. Most of the grassland on the landward side, which has been identified as a County Wildlife Site and is an integral part of the dune system, is also owned by Denbighshire County Council but is mainly leased to the Prestatyn Golf Club. The remaining section in Denbighshire in the vicinity of the Prestatyn Gutter outfall is owned by Haven Leisure. Prestatyn Gutter is classified as a main river and is maintained by the Environment Agency.

There has been very little integrated or sustained management of the dune system in the past. More recently, however, BHP Billiton has commenced a programme of sustained management works at the adjoining Talacre Dunes. At Gronant Dunes, past management has mainly comprised coastal defence works and control of recreational activities, although wardening of the little tern breeding colony has been ongoing since 1969.

Recognising the wildlife interest and value of the site, Denbighshire County Council with CCW declared Gronant Dunes as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in the Summer of 1999. Extensive public consultations demonstrated that there was widespread support for the proposal to declare the site an LNR, and for the broad approach to management set out by the County Council.

Local authorities have powers under Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 to designate areas in their control as LNRs, subject to the approval of CCW. The LNR is entirely on land owned or leased by Denbighshire County Council. In the main the boundary follows the northern and eastern edges of the golf course. The LNR incorporates the foreshore leased by the authority from the Crown Commissioners but the boundary at this point inevitably varies with mean high water. The total LNR area is 187.5 hectares.

Ideally, the LNR boundary would follow that of the SSSI along the edge of the golf course but currently this land is outside the Council's control. The Council have however, resolved to extend the LNR to incorporate these additional areas if the land comes under their control.

Gronant Dunes is considered to meet the requirements of LNR designation on account of:-

• The high importance for wildlife.
• The value of the area for public enjoyment and involvement, and also for environmental education.

The main reasons for LNR designation are:-

• To give a high priority to nature conservation and to contribute to local biodiversity.
• To provide a programme of sustained management works.
• To manage visitors more effectively.
• To promote public enjoyment.
• To promote increased environmental awareness and understanding.

Nature conservation must be the prime objective of management. LNR declaration will however also allow for a more integrated approach to site management to take account of the different interests of coastal defence, recreation, education and nature conservation. LNR status also allows the local authority to make bye-laws to protect the wildlife interest and public enjoyment of the site.

Gronant Dunes was first notified as a SSSI in 1971, but was extended to include Talacre Dunes in 1983 when it was re-notified as the Gronant Dunes and Talacre Warren SSSI. More recently in January 1998 CCW has amended the SSSI boundary further. Denbighshire County Council as landowner is required to consult CCW prior to carrying out certain notifiable operations. However, some unauthorised operations including infill and tipping on dunes at the west end have taken place in the past.

The nearby Dee Estuary SSSI is an internationally important wetland designated under the Ramsar Convention. It should be noted that it has been proposed in the Dee Estuary Strategy to extend the Dee Estuary Ramsar site to include the Gronant Dunes and Talacre Warren SSSI. This is also a recommendation of the Ramsar Bureau.

The most important natural features of the LNR are:

• Plant communities of sand dunes and other coastal habitats
• Several nationally scarce species of flora
• Assemblage of rare bryophytes
• Population of sandhill rustic moth
• Nationally important little tern breeding colony
• Shingle spit
• Nationally important numbers of sanderling
• Nationally important numbers of cormorant
• Important winter high tide roost
• Important summer roost and nesting areas
• Wintering snipe
• Amphibians and reptiles

The first eight listed are also SSSI qualifying features.

• Plant communities

  At the western end, the dunes form a single narrow ridge, before dividing into a series of parallel ridges, with dune slacks in the low-lying areas in between. Offshore bars and shingle banks are present on the seaward side. The open dune plant communities support a characteristic flora which is dominated by marram grass (Ammophila arenaria), with also sand couch grass (Elytrigia juncea) and lyme grass (Leymus arenarius). Amongst this grass sward, uncommon species include sea holly (Eryngium maritimum), pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis) and sea spurge (Euphorbia paralias). Fixed dune grassland communities occur along the edge of the golf course where lack of grazing is causing the sward to become rank. Brackish swamp communities and developing saltmarsh are associated with the dune slacks and the tidal channel, Prestatyn Gutter, that flows through part of the site and outfalls towards the eastern end of the site, dividing Gronant Dunes from Talacre Dunes. The saltmarsh is dominated by the annual sea blite (Suaeda maritima), with also sea purslane (Halimione portulacoides) and common saltmarsh grass (Puccinellia maritima). The brackish swamp supports stands of common reed (Phragmites australis) and sea club-rush (Scirpus maritimus). The eastern dune slacks are subject to sea water incursion, forming extensive pools in these areas. Sea kale (Crambe maritima), a locally important species, occurs on the strandline.

• Nationally scarce plant species

  Portland spurge (Euphorbia portlandica) occurs throughout the dunes.

• Assemblage of rare bryophytes

  A number of rare bryophytes have been recorded following a survey in 1998.

• Sandhill rustic moth

  A significant population of the rare sandhill rustic moth (Luperina nickerlii), a Red Data Book species, occurs mainly at the front of the dunes amongst sand couch grass (Elytrigia juncea), the rhizomes of which are the food plant of the caterpillar.

• Little tern breeding colony

  Little Tern

  The only breeding colony of little tern in Wales since 1989 occurs on an unvegetated shingle spit at Gronant Dunes. Little tern is amongst Britain's rarest sea birds and a population has survived here and remained fairly constant while elsewhere in Wales the species has declined. To ensure breeding success each year and to minimise predation and human disturbance, the breeding colony requires full time wardening during the period mid-May to mid-August. This has taken place since 1975, with 24 hour wardening by RSPB during the breeding season since 1991. A number of protective measures are provided and include electric fencing. Protection of the little tern colony may necessitate some level of predator control. Breeding success is monitored every year.

• Winter high tide roost

  The shingle spit and foreshore also provides an important high tide roost for wintering waders, which feed in the Dee Estuary and along the adjacent coastline. Sanderling occurs regularly in nationally significant numbers. Dunlin, ringed plover and grey plover are also regularly present in locally important numbers. The foreshore is also an important winter gull roost. Several species of waders also feed and roost on coastal fields, located just to the south of the LNR and railway line and which are to be notified as part of the Dee Estuary SSSI.

• Summer roost and nesting areas

  The foreshore can be used in summer as a roosting area by large flocks of several species of terns. Roosting cormorant numbers are frequently of national significance, with peak usage occurring at low tide. Ringed plover nest on the shingle, while the dunes provide suitable habitat for nesting skylark and stonechat.

• Wintering snipe

  Locally important numbers of wintering snipe are attracted to the dune slacks and marsh, including that associated with the Prestatyn Gutter.

• Amphibians and reptiles

  Common toad and the viviparous lizard have both been recorded at the site. Historically, there are records of the rare natterjack toad within the dune system, but the species became locally extinct many years ago. In an effort to encourage the return of the natterjack toad to Gronant Dunes, a series of scrapes/shallow pools were excavated. In the Spring of 2001, approximately 4,000 tadpoles were introduced from Ainsdale Dunes on the Sefton coast by the Herpetological Conservation Trust. Seasonal monitoring from the end of May provides adequate data to help the survival of the maximum number of toadlets. Early indications sugges that the re-introductions have been a success. An additional scrape was excavated during 2001 further up the coastline and naterjack toadlets were again introduced during Spring 2002. At nearby Talacre, a translocation programme which was initially overseen by Denbighshire Countryside Service has resulted in the re-establishment of the toad as a breeding species in Wales and the establishment of a breeding colony at Gronant is a logical step in the restoration of the species in North Wales.

In addition to those referred to above, other species also occur which are important to overall biodiversity. In particular, brown hares, a species that has declined in recent years, are still seen, and a number of less common species of bryophytes and invertebrates are also associated with this site.

Inevitably, in an area subjected to increased recreational pressures, many of these species are vulnerable to disturbance by humans and dogs and the effects of trampling. Dune systems in particular are fragile and can easily become eroded.

Gronant Dunes is a feature of considerable local landscape value. It is a prominent feature from the main coast road, and is also clearly visible from higher ground to the south within the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Because of their local significance, the dunes and the adjoining open grassland area on the landward side have been identified as a Local Landscape Area within Denbighshire's Unitary Development Plan.

An archaeological coastal study carried out in late 1996 looked closely at the dune system. No sites of archaeological interest were noted. However, there are references dating to the mid 14th Century which refer to rights of turbary, the cutting of peat, at 'Gronandesmore', Gronant. One document talks of drainage of the 'more' and protection from the sea by 'great bunds'. No trace of these remain visible.

The area is well used and valued by local people and visitors alike. There are no formal public rights of way through the dunes although there is a permissive footpath, via a bridge across Prestatyn Gutter, to the foreshore at Gronant. Developing marshland at the outflow of Prestatyn Gutter prevents access along the foreshore from the east. Nevertheless, there is a long-standing tradition of unrestricted public access throughout much of the dune system and along the beach. A public footpath crosses the golf course from Gronant to Warren Road in Prestatyn.

A public car park is located by the sea wall at Barkby Beach (west end) and there is a municipal-owned picnic site with parking and public toilet facilities closeby. At Gronant, vehicles can be parked on the road to the south of the railway bridge, at a car park a little further south nearer the village or alternatively in the public car park at Presthaven Sands Holiday Centre.

Within the dunes there is a network of informal paths especially along the ridges. Inevitably the sections nearest to the east and west ends of the site are used most frequently, with the greatest usage being in the summer months when the nearby holiday camps are at their busiest. Most visitors come to enjoy a walk, many bringing their dogs. Naturalists and bird watchers are also regular users of the area.

Unfortunately, the sheer volume of visitors in such a fragile environment has led to areas of dune erosion, most notably at the heavily used west end. Unfortunately, this end narrows to a single ridge which increases its vulnerability. A major blow-out here has been exacerbated by trampling. Increased access to the more sensitive eastern part of the site is likely to cause disturbance to wildlife, and needs to be carefully controlled.

Over the years brushwood and chestnut paling fences have been erected in the western part in an attempt to prevent erosion and to stabilise the dune system. Some remaining fences still serve as a useful means of visitor control, whilst others are either derelict or serve no useful purpose. Traditional management techniques including sand trapping and marram grass planting continue to assist in the process of erosion control.

On the foreshore, boating, yachting and fishing are popular. Prestatyn Sailing Club is located adjacent to Barkby Beach car park. Sand yachting has also taken place on the beach and more recently jet skiing was proposed. Inevitably, certain types of recreational activity potentially could cause disturbance to wildlife, and possible conflict with other users of the LNR, and need to be regulated possibly through local bye-laws. If within or adjacent to the SSSI, a recreational activity may be a notifiable operation. The route of the Sustrans National Cycle Network is proposed on the landward side of the sand dunes. Particular care is needed to route this track away from the LNR to ensure effective management and control of visitor pressure. It is likely that it will cross the golf course along the line of the public footpath and only cross the LNR at its eastern end along this existing path.

The beaches are monitored for bathing water quality by the Environment Agency. The EC Bathing Waters Directive Imperative Standards were finally met in 1996 at the nearby Central Beach, Prestatyn. Currently there is an offshore sewage outfall which crosses the golf course, dunes and foreshore near the golf clubhouse. There are now proposals to divert this sewage to Llanasa where full treatment will occur with an outfall into the Dee Estuary. If these proposals can be implemented the existing outfall will become redundant and the concrete surge tower which is located on the dunes can then be removed by Welsh Water. The Prestatyn Treatment Scheme is part of Welsh Water's proposals under the Green Seas Initiative to provide full treatment of all coastal sewage, with the aim of achieving 50 beaches with Blue Flag awards in Wales.

Key proposals to maintain and enhance public access and enjoyment whilst protecting the scientific interest and value of the area include:

• Restoration of severely eroded areas.
• Waymarked routes and nature trail.
• Regular Denbighshire Countryside Service presence.

The local authority is responsible for maintaining coastal sea defences along the Denbighshire coastline. The surviving dunes at Gronant and Talacre are still an important natural sea defence and protect the coast from flooding. In contrast, most of the remaining North Wales coastline is protected by hard sea defences, and sand dunes have been largely replaced by sea walls. The former Rhuddlan Borough Council carried out an intensive programme of coastal defence works between Rhyl and Prestatyn, including rock groynes, beach nourishment and rubble revetments, with the last phase being completed in 1992.

The dune system at Gronant is still actively developing, with active accretion of sand and shingle, and young and embryo dunes are in the process of developing in the central and eastern sections. A shingle spit system has developed seaward.

It is not known what long term effects these hard sea defence works may have on the natural geomorphological processes essential for dune development further east. There is concern, however, that they could lead to beach erosion and a reduction in sand replenishment to the dune system, and a possible decline in the available shingle offshore, with implications for the continued natural development of the shingle spit. Soft sea defences are preferred for this remaining section of natural coastline.

Sand Moving Success

During winter 1997/98 further dune restoration works were undertaken, using approximately 14,000 tonnes of suitable sand excavated for a flood relief tank at the Marine Lake in Rhyl. After extensive tests, the Marine Lake sand was pronounced 'clean', and was placed at the front of a very narrow section of dunes at the Prestatyn end, increasing the width by 4.5 metres in places. Other associated works included the planting of marram grass, construction of a boardwalk, replacement of chestnut paling fencing along the lower edge and the placing of threshold signs. It was a unique project and a real success story. The sand stabilised and vegetation developed, which anchored the sand yet further. These works were guided by the then draft LNR Management Plan for the site and are wholly consistent with the management objectives for the LNR.

Ideally, a buffer zone inland from the dune system should be safeguarded to allow for managed retreat. It should be noted that the Liverpool Bay Coastal Group has commissioned a 'Shoreline Management Plan' for the North West and North Wales coast to consider coastal defence which will also consider environmental issues.

There are currently no interpretative or educational facilities at Gronant Dunes although the Offa's Dyke Information Centre is located less than half a mile away on Prestatyn promenade (open April to September). The dunes are a unique resource in Denbighshire and as such have considerable educational value, especially for local schools. There are clear opportunities to develop interpretative facilities, especially in relation to nature conservation and geomorphological processes. LNR designation will support wider usage of the site by interested groups and organisations as well as encouraging and fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of the site. The provision of low-key information and interpretation will be an essential tool in guiding the public away from sensitive areas and gaining their support for conservation work.

An Interpretative Plan will be prepared for the site, which for example could include the following measures:

• LNR signs and information boards at east and west access points.
• Widely available nature trail/information leaflet, emphasising wildlife conservation value, fragility of dune system, explanation of erosion problems and restoration schemes.
• Education resource pack linked to National Curriculum.
• Wildlife surveys and studies.
• Events
• Encouraging local community involvement in conservation of the site.

The Council proposes to develop the role of the nearby Offa's Dyke Centre to reflect a coastal theme. Such a coastal discovery centre will have a valuable role to play in interpreting and providing information on the coastal environment and the Gronant Dunes LNR. Implementation of this project will however be dependent on the availability of funding.

The site is currently wardened by Denbighshire Countryside Service staff based at the Brickfields Pond LNR, Rhyl. RSPB wardening of the little tern colony in the breeding season has been referred to in Section 4. Opportunities exist for warden led volunteer tasks to implement erosion control projects, scrub control, wildlife protection schemes, and the provision of interpretation and waymarking. Wardening is also essential to monitor sensitive areas and guide visitors and provide information to reduce conflict with wildlife, and to patrol the area generally for unauthorised uses. However, Gronant Dunes is one of a number of countryside sites in north Denbighshire that are managed by the Service and inevitably the level of wardening and implementation of the Plan must reflect this.

Guided walks, especially at times of greatest wildlife interest (e.g. little tern nesting, spring flowers), can be organised through the Warden Service. Local naturalists may be able to assist. Development of a local volunteers group would encourage involvement by the local community and support the management of Gronant Dunes.

Management and use of the site is subject to certain legal obligations which must be fulfilled by the local authority. These include public safety and protection, land tenure, coastal defence and SSSI protection. A safety audit is necessary to ensure the Council meets its obligations in respect of public safety on the site. Prestatyn Gutter is controlled by the Environment Agency and works associated with this watercourse require the consent of the Environment Agency. Sporting rights on county-owned land within the LNR are controlled by the Council and the Council's intention is not to exercise these rights. However, the Crown Estate retain the sporting rights on the leased area. Ideally, these are passed to the Council, but this requires a deed of variation in the lease. It is concluded that the established Joint Group on Wildfowling and Conservation on Tidal Land (of which CCW and Crown Estate are members) is adequate in controlling these sporting rights while there are no perceived current problems with individuals shooting on or near the reserve. It is recommended that if this situation changes, further consideration should be given to the control of sporting rights.

NATURAL FEATURES AND WILDLIFE

• Enable the natural development of geomorphological processes.
• Maintain the range and diversity of dune plant communities and associated coastal habitats.
• Maintain populations of nationally scarce plant species in a favourable condition.
• Maintain population of the sandhill rustic moth in a favourable condition.
• Safeguard all rare and notable species.
• Contribute towards maintaining the population of little terns in Wales at a favourable conservation status.
• Maintain the shingle in a favourable condition and free of vegetation for breeding little terns.
• Safeguard populations of wintering waders.
• Safeguard summer roosts and breeding sites for birds.
• Extend the range of the natterjack toad.
• Safeguard adjoining areas of SSSI and other sites of high nature conservation value that are an integral part of the dune system (off-site objective).
• Maintain the dunes as a natural coastal sea defence system.
• Maintain a buffer zone free of development behind sand dunes (off-site objective).

ACCESS AND PUBLIC ENJOYMENT

• Provide for improved public access and quiet enjoyment of the site in ways which are compatible with the conservation objectives.
• Enhance the overall appearance of access points.
• Safeguard the integrity of the Local Landscape Area.

EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION

• Provide interpretation of the site features and wildlife.
• Increase opportunities for environmental education.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• Encourage local community involvement in caring for and managing the site.

Specific management proposals for action are summarised below. (A full management plan will develop these proposals further).

NATURAL FEATURES AND WILDLIFE

• Monitor natural geomorphological processes including condition and development of embryo dunes.
• Monitor beach levels and wave erosion (liaise with Technical Services).
• Undertake sand trapping and marram planting techniques in severely eroded and damaged dunes.
• Monitor plant communities every 5 years (liaise with CCW).
• Monitor the extent of bare sand within dune system.
• Control scrub invasion, including sea buckthorn.
• Undertake baseline surveys and map extent of nationally scarce plant species.
• Undertake baseline survey and map extent of population of sandhill rustic moth and sand couch grass (liaise with Liverpool Museum).
• Monitor condition of shingle spit.
• Continue to assist RSPB in the wardening of the little tern breeding colony between May and September and in providing other protective measures; consider predator control measures.
• Map sensitive bird breeding and roost sites.
• Monitor wintering population of waders, including sanderling (liaise with RSPB/BTO/ volunteers).
• Warden high tide winter and summer roosts and protect from disturbance.
• Monitor and warden summer roosts and breeding birds; protect from disturbance.
• Monitor and prepare action plans to conserve biodiversity species e.g. skylark, brown hare.
• Investigate the feasibility of extending the Natterjack toad re-introduction programme to Gronant Dunes (liaise with CCW, BHP Billiton Petroleum Ltd and The Herpetological Conservation Trust).
• Liaise with Technical Services to improve soft sea defences, restore and protect damaged dunes and encourage development of foredunes, utilising a variety of traditional techniques including sand trapping and marram grass planting, as well as protective fencing and establishment of boardwalks where required.
• In liaison with Technical Services continue to regularly transfer blown sand from sea front track (east of car park) to backfill blow-outs.
• Liaise with Environment Agency to safeguard scientific interest of Prestatyn Gutter; consult over any specific activities that may affect this watercourse.
• Liaise with other users of foreshore in order to protect sensitive wildlife areas.
• Liaise with Prestatyn Golf Club to safeguard and manage the diversity of semi- natural features within the golf course and County Wildlife Site.
• Liaise with BHP Billiton Petroleum Ltd to encourage the integrated management of rare and notable species.
• Liaise with Dee Estuary Strategy Development Officer to ensure a wider integrated approach to dune management to complement the objectives of the Dee Estuary Strategy.
• Liaise with adjacent landowners and local authorities as necessary. Keep LNR boundaries under review and instigate procedures to extend the LNR to incorporate additional areas of land which are brought under Council control or where a formal agreement can be reached e.g. those parts of the golf course which are within the SSSI.
• Review situation regarding control of sporting rights on land leased from Crown Estate.

• Undertake a safety audit.
• Provide and maintain a short circular route and nature trail from Barkby Beach car park along front of dunes, returning via back of dunes along edge of golf course.
• Maintain boardwalk with viewing platform through dunes near restored blow-out.
• Provide minimal waymarking at access points and at key points within site.
• Consider improvements for disabled access.
• Retain existing ridge fence at Prestatyn end in short term to limit access to foredunes.
• Remove derelict fencing at lower edge of dunes alongside golf course at west end.
• Define an appropriate route for a west-east footpath, avoiding sensitive areas and habitats.
• Discourage access to more sensitive parts of site.
• Upgrade Prestatyn Gutter footbridge.
• Implement Sustrans National Cycle Route ensuring it is located away from sensitive dunes and other areas.
• Control other recreational activities that would compromise the LNR declaration.
• Prepare appropriate bye-laws for the site to control potentially damaging activities.
• Improve the overall appearance of Barkby Beach car park (liaise with Technical Services).

• Prepare an Interpretative Plan for the site.
• Provide low key information and interpretation boards at Barkby Beach car park.
• Provide LNR threshold signs at access points at both ends of reserve.
• Provide leaflet and displays to interpret site's geomorphology and wildlife.
• Provide information for schools.
• Provide guided walks, liaise with local naturalists.
• Develop role of Offa's Dyke Centre as a coastal discovery centre.
• Encourage surveys and studies of dune ecosystem.

• Recruit volunteers/'friends' from the community.
• Involve local schools with conservation projects.
• Establish Management Advisory Group.

The County Council is the main agency responsible for declaration of the LNR and implementing the Management Plan. Denbighshire Countryside Service will co-ordinate implementation of the Plan. It is essential that this is undertaken in partnership with the local community and other organisations. This will be achieved through the establishment of a Management Advisory Group, to include local and other members and officers of Denbighshire County Council and representatives from Prestatyn Town Council, the Environment Agency, Prestatyn Golf Club, North Wales Wildlife Trust, Countryside Council for Wales, RSPB, and the Dee Estuary Strategy Development Officer. Other groups and organisations will be invited at the discretion of the Advisory Group.

A five year programme listing projects to be carried out will be developed. The Council as far as possible will use its own finances and staff resources to implement this programme, but it will require funding and assistance from other sources. Partnerships and joint working within and outside the authority are essential in order to achieve an integrated approach to management of Gronant Dunes, and to ensure that the legal requirements of SSSI designation are fulfilled. The pace of development will be dependent on the level of grant aid that can be secured. Grant aid and sponsorship will be sought from a variety of sources, including CCW, Lottery, other authorities and local businesses.

A monitoring programme is essential and will be utilised to review the effectiveness of the Plan. The entire Plan will be subject to a complete review after 5 years.