Sand Dune formation in action



The view of our dunes from the estuary



Every time we step out onto the beach we are never quite sure how the frontal dunes are going to look.  Our dunes are constantly changing as they are susceptible to the wind and the waves.  A wind as low as 5 meters per second can lift a grain of sand and move it along the beach.  Marine debris, litter or vegetation can intercept these grains trapping them, forming little hummocks of sand, these are called embryo dunes. 

Embryo dunes forming near our car park

The main dune system at Sandscale consists of three dune ridges separated by areas at ground water level, these are called dune slacks. The fore dunes (yellow dunes or white dunes) rise to about 10m along the northern edge of the dune system and about 15-20m on the more exposed westerly point.

Two of our dune ridges

The steepening of the beach at the northern edge, the high tides, heavy winds and human pressure are all leading to increased erosion at the northern end of the site.  With the changes in the Duddon river channel sculpting the frontal ridges into shallow bays and points

Heavy erosion near our blow out

Storm waves are destructive in nature as they break steeply with a powerful backwash however they also provide accumulation of larger stones and shingle up the beach. Much of this material, and the rocks which compose the shingle, originates from the western and central fells of the Lake District and further north from western Scotland



Erosion from the waves in progress

 









Recent conditions on site

Work on site has been pretty impossible at the moment.  The reserve is under more water than has ever been seen in Neil's (Ranger supervisor) time here at Sandscale.  The only way to get about is on foot and with wellies on and it's tough going, having to break the ice.
We have however put in a new stile and dog gate at the southern end of the reserve. 

New stile and dog gate

We were having to fix the fence on a regular basis where people were cutting it to get through.  New signs have been erected at that end too welcoming people and giving some information about illegal use of our track there.  We experienced a slight incident last week where we had three motorcyclist using the track to access the dunes for some off road practise.  Fortunately we caught up with them and were able to advise them that  the area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature reserve and the law behind those designations. They left the area even phoning the police afterwards to apologise...a good result.

We spent an afternoon with our student volunteer Vicky, just before Christmas surveying the erosion on the frontal dune ridge where it is exposed to the wind and the sea. 
It was during this surveying that we caught sight of a single Snow bunting.  These are large-ish buntings which breed in around the Arctic areas like Scandinavia and Greenland, although they make their way to our coastal areas during winter months.  It was great to see and a brilliant record for the reserve.
Also that day we saw a couple of Stonechat which are becoming far and few between for our records. 
During our volunteer work party on the 19th December we were lucky enough to experience 19 Whooper swans flying low right over us, a beautiful sight and a reward for all the hard work the Volunteers were putting in.  The Short-eared owl is always a welcome visitor and we see the signs of them more than we see them but the 21st Dec was one such sighting....great stuff!

We love hearing from you and what you have seen on the reserve.  If you have any records or photos please email them to me at joanne.day@nationaltrust.org.uk or leave a comment below.

Grand Designs for our Natterjack Scrapes

Natterjack Toads need clear open pools in which to breed.  Over the years vegetation and silt have built up in our artifical breeding pools making them less suitable.



We employed a contractor to remove the vegetation and silt from the pools and to relay the inlet pipes.



The pools were relined with fresh sand from the beach

The sides were re-profiled for a gentle gradient which the toads prefer.  The water is warmer in the shallows.



The project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund through a project run by Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.



All works have been agreed with Natural England and measures were in place to minimise disturbance to wildlife.



Scrape 39 nearly finished with just the new fencing and boardwalks to go



New inlet pipes will help to fill the pools with water come April time for the start of the breeding season

Our stream complete with overgrown vegetation and collapsed bank

Excavation of the bank and removal of plants

An army of volunteers and staff laying in new recycled plastic revetments

The story so far, lets hope they stand up to the winter weather!

Autumn Watch at Sandscale Haws

Ok so we don’t have wild beavers or pine martens but the change in the season is still pretty exciting here at Sandscale.  The wading bird numbers are definitely on the increase with flocks of knot, dunlin, redshank and sanderling being regularly recorded.  The size of our duck population has significantly increased too with the usual teal and shoveler taking residence on our wet meadow area.  A massive flock of about 70 whooper swans were also seen flying low over the reserve on the 29^th Sept.

The lack of sunshine and the influx of yet more rain has seen our water levels on site rise to such an extent that there are parts of the reserve that even Neil (Ranger supervisor) hasn’t seen flooded before.  This has meant that many of our snipe which can usually be flushed out with a walk through the tall grass has not been there to flush, as many of their feeding ground is just too wet.

With the strong winds we’ve been experiencing, the tides have been pushed further up the beach and produced some dramatic erosion on the frontal dune ridge exposing a shingle bed.

Now is the time if you are looking at starting a shell collection or ticking off another “50 things” activity (finding treasure on a beach), there’s nothing more invigorating than a stroll along the sand on a crisp, cool morning with the wind in your face looking at what the sea has been churning up!

Great British Walking Festival

Use your feet to show your love of the Great British Countryside this autumn. Take part in our Great British Walks.

Sunday 28th October 2012 2pm-4pm
The Human History of Sandscale Haws
Pristine wilderness or post-industrial site?  The hidden history of a nature reserve. 
Approx 1-1.5 miles

Wednesday 31st October 2012 10am -12.30pm

Winter birds of the Duddon Estuary

See thousands of wading birds at high tide roosts and the possibility of migrating ducks and geese over the estuary
Approx 4-5 miles

Meet: National Trust Car Park, Hawthwaite Lane, Roanhead (SD 200 756)

What to bring and what to wear: Bring food and a drink if required. Please wear stout boots or shoes and bring waterproofs.

Suitable for: Mostly moderate but with some uneven terrain over sand dunes, shingle and grassland. May involve crossing stiles.  Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult who will remain responsible for them at all times. Please note that in the event of severe weather or other safety issues events may have to be cancelled, shortened or changed on the day.

More Info: Contact the rangers on 01229 462 855 / neil.forbes@nationaltrust.org.uk

Winter Weekend Volunteer Days

11am-3pm

27^th October 2012

24^th November 2012

15th December 2012

19^th January 2013

16^th February 2013

Jobs could include scrub bashing, pond vegetation removal, repairing of boardwalks and fencing.

Meet: National Trust Car Park, Hawthwaite Lane, Roanhead (SD 200 756)

What to bring and what to wear: Bring a packed lunch and drink. Wear old clothes, stout boots or wellies and bring waterproofs if needed. We recommend that all conservation volunteers have an up to date tetanus inoculation.

Suitable for: Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult who will remain responsible for them at all times. Please note that in the event of severe weather or other safety issues events may have to be cancelled, shortened or changed on the day.

We Provide: Tools, gloves, hot drinks and biscuits. We also have a limited supply of wellies and basic waterproofs that we can lend to volunteers.

More Info: Contact the Rangers on 01229 462 855 / neil.forbes@nationaltrust.org.uk

A 50 Things Summer!

I’ve just been looking at the calendar trying to remember all the things that we have got up to over August and I can’t quite believe how much we fitted in!  There was hardly a day that went by where we didn’t have an event. 

We’ve had Scout groups and Youth groups volunteering with us, as well as guided walks and kids activities.  To end the month we also had BBC Countryfile filming our Sand Sculpture event with James Wong taking part (watch us Sunday 9^th September).  Don’t worry we have taken lots of photos of everything…see if you can see yourself!



Exploring the underwater world of our stream




Seeing new things on our Beach Events Day




Giving James Wong a run for his money on our Sand sculpture event




Catching shrimps might be easier with a net during our estuary dip!



The Junior Wardens lending a hand beach cleaning

 On the 18th August a number of the Rangers from the South East Cumbria and Morecambe Bay Property gatecrashed the All England Stone Skimming Championships at Fell Foot.  We ran 24 things from the "50 things to do before you are 11 3/4" campaign.  This included things like snail racing, kite making and flying and a nature walk at night time.  The smiling faces from these photos show its success.  Well done team!



Nearing the finish on one of the many snail races that day.




Flying a kite you've made yourself is always more fun even if you have to run with it!




Fireman (Ranger) Sam proving you can light a fire with out matches.




Roasting marshmellows on their fires and the most popular activity...eating it afterwards!