Keywords:
Atlantic coast
Mainland barrier dune coast
dune dynamics
Contact: J. Favennec
Location: France, Pas-de Calais, Merlimont
Merlimont
The dunes of Merlimont are a vast system of calcareous dunes.
In 1992 the dune land between Merlimont and Berck was selected
as a pilot site for the European LIFE programme to establish and
propose a conservatory method of management, a method wich respects
the natural functioning of the natural habitat of the dune ecosystem
complex. This dune site was selected for its richness of habitats,
plant and bird species. The coastal dunes of Merlimont can
be divided in three zones ; outer dunes, inner dunes and an area
of interdunal flats with a rich combination of relatively
undisturbed geomorphological and ecological features.
Management
The duneland is within the jurisdiction of the Forestry
Adiminstration and managed by the National Office for Forestry
(ONF). Management choices are:
- free expression of dune dynamics
- favour the dynamic of decideous vegetation. Part of the potential
natural vegetation has to be taken away. The variety of stationary
conditions linked to the topography and hydrology will encourage
biodiversity
- allow factors of diversity to play their role (conditions
of vegetation linked to the proximity of the sea, conditions
of water supply, man’s action)
- monitoring and control of the course of evolution
- strict control of access by public
Results
The monitoring and evolution of the site will constantly be compared
with studies made at that time. To ensure the continuity of
the geomorphological study, every three years topographic surveys
will be done on existing transects. Aerial photographs will be made
at regular intervals.
Merlimont dune area
References
- Poinsot, C., Conservation and development of coastal dunes
of the Nord-Pas de Calais seashore. Perspectives in coastal
dune management pp 261-267, van der Meulen, F., Jungerius, P.D.
& J.H.Visser, SPB Academic Publishing bv, The Hague, The
Netherlands, 1989 (EUCC library code BNd 89)
