Northam Burrows Spring Fencing Project
June 5, 2024
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TEAM TD SUPPORTS FENCE BUILDING PROJECT AT NORTHAM BURROWS
Known for its coastal landscape, Northam Burrows Country Park is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. Torridge District Council are responsible for managing the surrounding area and ensuring the preservation of the landscape. Some members from team Turnstyle recently lent their support, alongside other volunteers and the Torridge District Council, for a day dedicated to fence building and restoration.
Northam burrows COUNTRY PARK
The day started with a tour of the surrounding area, followed by an explanation of the Torridge District Council’s current projects. These projects include the development of sand dunes to combat high coastal tides and erosion over time. This is done using natural materials to build the dunes and protect the land, as well as offer shelter and habitat to the plants and wildlife.
The team then began installing and replacing the fence that surrounds the front of the dunes. The purpose of the fence is to create a perimeter surrounding a section of the burrows, this allows wildflowers and ground nesting birds to thrive without being disturbed by livestock or visitors.
The group were divided into two teams, working on opposite ends of the fence. Another team were tasked with striking the posts and filling up the gaps. A large amount of the fencing was rolled out, connected, and nailed to the posts.
NORTHAM BURROWS COUNTRY PARK
The day started with a tour of the surrounding area, followed by an explanation of the Torridge District Council’s current projects. These projects include the development of sand dunes to combat high coastal tides and erosion over time. This is done using natural materials to build the dunes and protect the land, as well as offer shelter and habitat to the plants and wildlife.
The team then began installing and replacing the fence that surrounds the front of the dunes. The purpose of the fence is to create a perimeter surrounding a section of the burrows, this allows wildflowers and ground nesting birds to thrive without being disturbed by livestock or visitors.
The group were divided into two teams, working on opposite ends of the fence. Another team were tasked with striking the posts and filling up the gaps. A large amount of the fencing was rolled out, connected, and nailed to the posts.
"A great day spent with Rose, Jarrah and the other volunteers. It was great to see an impressive turnout of people keen to help. It was really interesting to see the sand dunes they are trying to develop and grow, similar to what they have installed at Instow. As a local myself, I regularly walk the dogs across the burrows, it was great to get hands on and help give something back. It is such a wonderful place, very much my happy place!"
The fencing is then taken down every winter to avoid potential damage caused by winter winds. With the arrival of spring and improved weather, the fence is reinstalled and repaired where needed by a team of volunteers.
"In late spring and early summer skylarks and wheatears nest in the safety of this fenced area and beautiful flowers such as pyramidal orchids and wild thyme flourish."
About the WestWard Ho! And the pebble ridge
The pebble ridge moves approximately one metre inland a year, exposing the dune edge to erosion by high tides. This year, only a few lines from the post needed to be moved. Most of the fence line was moved back to its original position from the previous year. Click the link below to learn more about the area and its history.
To find out more about Torridge District Council, visit their website
