The mosaic of habitats that comprise a sand dune system can support a large and varied population of invertebrates. For example, over 2,000 species were found in the dunes and salt marshes of Spurn Head, Yorkshire, amounting to between 20 and 25% of the total British invertebrate fauna (Ranwell, 1972, p169).
There is little done in the way of specific management, beyond the general aim of maintaining and improving on the diversity of habitats within the dunes. On some sites, such as Braunton Burrows. Devon, ponds have been excavated to encourage a variety of wildlife, such as frogs, newts and grass snakes, as well as dragonflies and other invertebrates. Each pond is dug to a variety of depths from 2m (6′) up to zero, to give the maximum diversity whilst maintaining some water even in very dry summers. Here the water table can vary by up to 1.4m (4 1/2′) each year. Willows are left around the edge of the ponds to strengthen the banks, and areas are left overgrown to restrict public access. Care is taken not to use herbicides anywhere near the ponds to avoid pollution.
