Nature conservation of sand dunes: Effects of grazing and nitrogen deposition

Coastal sand dunes are threatened ecosystems that support rare and endangered animal and plant species. It is important to preserve dunes and restore damaged sites wherever possible. In order to protect sand dune systems of high conservation value, their ecology needs to be understood, so that informed decisions can be made as to how to manage these habitats. The research presented in this book addresses the threats of overstabilisation, accelerated successional development and atmospheric deposition of nitrogen, and investigates how livestock grazing management can contribute to maintaining the high conservation value of these habitats. A new critical load for nitrogen for dune grasslands was established which could aid policy decisions. Livestock grazing was shown to have an important role for the conservation management of sand dunes, and seed banks have the potential to contribute to vegetation change. These findings can all inform future management efforts.