Sand Dune – Coastal sand hill above high tide mark shaped by wind action, often covered in grasses and shrubs

We all know what sand dunes are but how are they formed?

Sand dunes start to form when the wind blows sand into a sheltered area behind an obstacle such as a bush, rock or driftwood. They then continue to grow as more sand accumulates. If vegetation, such as grasses, begins to grow on the dune, its roots will help bind the sand together and stabilise the dune.