Eco Talk – Why Sand Dunes?

Caroline Bay is an iconic part of Timaru, but how much do we really know about its history and the important role its sand dunes play in protecting our coastline?

Join Gary Foster for a fascinating look at the history and development of Caroline Bay, including how the sand dunes came to be created and the thinking behind their restoration. Discover the native sand-binding plants used to establish the dunes, the habitats they have created, and how these natural coastal systems work to stabilise sand, support biodiversity and provide an important line of defence against coastal erosion and the elements.

But the story doesn’t end there. While the dunes have become well-established over the years, they now face growing challenges. A key issue amongst these is the increasing occurrence of exotic grasses and invasive weeds, threatening the native plantings and the ecological value of this special coastal environment.

Gary will explore what makes these dunes unique, the threats they face, and why ongoing care and management are so important if we want to protect what has been created.

Come along and gain a new appreciation for a familiar part of our coastline, discover what is happening amongst the dunes, and consider what their future could look like.