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Humans like to live or holiday near the beach. Sand dunes often protect the area behind the beach which could include houses, parks and caravan parks.
Often we need to walk over the sand dunes to reach the beach. To avoid damage to the sand dune plants we should walk on existing tracks.
How else could we protect the sand dunes and the plants?
By picnicking and playing on the beach you will not disturb the dunes, animals or plants.
The vegetation on a sand dune is special as it has to cope with the harsh sunlight and wind.
Native plants like spinifex grass and pigface creep across the dune holding it in place.
Other plants like bitou bush and morning glory are often found growing on the dunes but they are introduced from other countries.
Bigger trees like wattle and tea tree can grow close to the beach because they have adaptations like tough, waxy leaves.
Sand dunes are difficult places for animals to live in but they can burrow into the sand or soil or find shelter and food amongst the plants.
