Supporting guidance for Sand-blow Fencing
Date published: 8 November, 2023
Note: In November 2023, the reference to Scottish Natural Heritage in the Further Information section has been amended to NatureScot
This item benefits areas adjacent to sand dunes at risk from wind erosion. Fences reduce wind speed across the sand surface and encourage sand deposition.
What needs to be done
Posts should be long enough to allow burial to about one metre below the lowest expected beach level.
Fencing should be set up parallel to the dune face; no significant benefits have been found from attempting to orientate fences normal to the dominant wind. Short spurs running landward up the dune face can help recovery where the dominant wind blows at an acute angle to the shoreline.
Use posts at least two metres long to allow burial to about one metre below beach level and to leave one metre above ground.
Inspect the fence regularly and remove any litter or beach debris that may be caught up in it.
Complementary options
Combine this option with the Planting of Dune Grasses item to help stabilise the sand within the fenced area.
Further information
Further information is available in NatureScot's coastal erosion guide and the Trust for Conservation Volunteer’s Sand Dunes: A Practical Handbook.