Dune Preservation at Marazion Beach

St Aubyn Estates is pleased to support an important environmental initiative currently taking place at Marazion Beach, directly opposite St Michael’s Mount. As part of the ‘Making Space for Sand’ project, new dune management work is now underway to help restore and protect the fragile dune habitat.

Fencing has recently been installed to allow areas of the dune system to regenerate, with local volunteers also planting native species to stabilise the sand and encourage biodiversity. These efforts will help support a rich mix of wildlife, particularly insects, reptiles and wildflowers.

Crucially, the dunes also play a vital role as a natural flood defence for the town of Marazion. Acting as a buffer against coastal storms and rising sea levels, they help reduce the risk of flooding and erosion along this stretch of coast. Allowing the dunes space to recover strengthens their protective capacity for the long term.

The protected areas have been cordoned off to give plants the best chance to establish. Visitors and dog walkers are kindly asked to respect these zones by keeping to the paths and avoiding fenced areas.

The Making Space for Sand project is one of 25 projects funded by Defra through the Flood and Coastal Resilience Innovation Programme (FRCIP) as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes which are being managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.

This work is being delivered in partnership with Mount’s Bay Marine Group, Cornwall Council, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency, and other local stakeholders, including members of the Marazion community.

“We’re proud to be part of a collaborative project that enhances the natural landscape while supporting climate resilience,” said Henry Mathews, St Aubyn Estates. “The dunes are an important part of this coastline’s heritage and ecosystem, and we’re committed to helping them thrive for generations to come.”

Cllr Loic Rich, Cornwall’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “Preserving and strengthening Cornwall’s dune systems is vital in helping us adapt and become more resilient to climate change while maintaining vibrant coastal communities.”

For more information, or to find out how to get involved, please visit: makingspaceforsand.co.uk