strandvegetation

Strandvegetation, or coastal strand vegetation, refers to plant communities that occupy the strandline and nearby dune and shore habitats along coastlines. These communities are shaped by salt spray, wind, shifting sands, and tidal influences, and occur in temperate and tropical regions as parts of broader littoral ecosystems.

Vegetation composition varies by region, but commonly includes dune grasses such as marram grass (Ammophila species) and other native alternatives, as well as grasses, sedges, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials adapted to salt and sand. In more sheltered zones, woody plants may establish, while exposed foredunes are dominated by low, wind-tolerant species and ground-hugging binders. The exact species mix reflects local climate, soil conditions, and disturbance history.

Ecologically, strandvegetation stabilizes dunes by trapping sand, reducing erosion, and creating microhabitats for invertebrates and vertebrates. It influences sediment transport, water infiltration, and local biodiversity, functioning as a nursery for birds and small mammals and as a forage source for coastal fauna. Its structure and composition contribute to the resilience of coastal systems to storms and sea-level fluctuations.

Threats include coastal development, trampling by visitors, invasive plants, and climate change-related sea-level rise and increased storminess. Management measures often focus on restoring native dune communities, controlling invasive species, protecting planting areas with fencing, and limiting disturbance to maintain dune structure and biodiversity.