Virtual Field Trips
East Head
10. Dune Slack
From this position you can look across the extent of the dunes and see the succession from embryo stable and mature dunes, where scrub is beginning to establish itself.
Read about the Ecology of East Head
Mature Dunes
Dune Slack
The low-lying dark patches are called 'dune slack' or 'grey slack'. These slightly sunken areas collect pools of fresh water because of the high water table, and so a more varied type of vegetation begins to establish itself.
The vegetation mostly consists of sedges and rushes but even the Common Reed (Phragmites australis) grows here.
Click here to find out more about plants that
thrive in very damp environments
Dune Slack
Rabbits
There is a thriving population of rabbits in the dunes. Their grazing habits keep the vegetation very short. A kestrel hovers frequently the dunes and smaller birds such as Meadow Pipits and Skylarks are also abundant. However, these may be threatened by disturbance as they build their nests on the ground.
Boardwalks
Laying Boardwalk
Boardwalk through the Dunes
These have been laid across the dunes to encourage visitors
not to trample the vegetation.
As a result plants and ground-nesting birds are less disturbed. Boardwalks are constructed of wood and are suitable for a natural landscape.
They are flexible in that they can traverse uneven ground and can be removed or replaced easily.
Unfortunately sections of boardwalk have disappeared on occasions when thoughtless visitors have decided to use the wood for their barbecues!
Click here to find out more about the flora and
fauna of the dunes.
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