Visitors urged to respect centuries-old sand dunes
North East Lincolnshire CouncilVisitors to a seaside resort are being asked to help protect a centuries-old sand dune system.
The Cleethorpes Local Nature Reserve, on the south bank of the Humber estuary, is a site of special scientific interest due to the diversity of plant and animal life.
World Sand Dune Day, on Saturday, coincides with a major event for Armed Forces Day, when thousands of people are expected to visit Cleethorpes.
Josh Forrester, a coastal ranger, said: "We ask that when visiting our coastline, you ensure that you keep to established paths, take any litter with you and be aware of the wildlife around you to avoid disturbance."
He added: "We all have a part to play in looking after our coastline."
North East Lincolnshire Council described coastal sand dunes as a threatened habitat globally.
A spokesperson said Armed Forces Day was "a perfect time to remind people of the importance of our local natural heritage".
Forrester, who works for the Cleethorpes Dune Project, said the area was "incredibly lucky to have such a rich variety of habitats on our coast".
"We know that parts of the dune system at Cleethorpes Boating Lake date back to the 14th Century, they are known as the relict sand dunes.
"This surviving section represents the line of the dune ridge prior to the development of the boating lake and the sea defence."
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