Seaton Sluice Dunes
This is an exceptionally popular area that has very good public transport links. As with many dune systems the key management aim is to accommodate people without compromising the needs of wildlife. There is a cycle path running through the dunes parallel to the links road. This path is well used and the public tend to keep to this path rather then walking on the dunes, helping to prevent further damage to this fragile habitat.
Conservation
The local nature reserve status may help draw attention to two otherwise inconspicuous species of Banded land snail, Cepaea nemoralis and Cepaea hortensis, living on the dunes. Banded land snails are widespread throughout Britain, found in habitats including chalk uplands, woodlands, hedgerows and sand dunes. However, the presence of both species together on the Blyth links is special, as generally the two do not co-exist on dunes due to competition for resources. Indeed, this is one of only two dune sites on the whole of the British coastline where mixed species dune populations are found.
The Links Conservation Group (the ‘Friends of’ Group) are very active and carry out a wide variety of work from survey work and practical tasks to education and working with schools. A coastal warden is based on site at the Blyth end.
BAP priority species
Linnet and Skylark.
