Grey dune

Pioneer plants capture saltating sand grains carried by the wind and deposit them to continue build up the dune.

Slope wash occurs when rainfall infiltration is impeded, which can result in rills and alluvial fans.

Older grey dunes can also exhibit acidic conditions if there has been enough rainfall to leach out the soil nutrients.

Many rare and endangered plant species can be found within grey dune ecosystems, providing niche habitats for animals and insects.

A wide variety of orchids, grasses, and lichens are found in grey dune plant communities but species will depend on locations throughout the European continent.