I used to love playing in the sand dunes, sliding down the soft sand. Now the sand dunes I played on are fenced off and are being restored by the
Waikanae Dune Restoration group.
Sadly children playing and adults riding bikes and other vehicles over them, wore the dunes away and prevented plants from growing over them that would protect them. Just look at how churned up the sand is where people walk down to the beach.
Weeds were also growing in the dunes, and these weeds were making the erosion worse. Some native plants are good at holding the sand in place. These have been replanted in the dunes and the weeds removed.
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| Spinifex |
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| Pingao |
Sand dunes are important because they help to stop erosion by the sea, protecting places where people live. They are also habitats for lizards, birds, and other animals.
Luckily there are plenty of other places to play at the beach.
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| The sea and Kapiti Island |
