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  4. N1-3 - Dunes côtières mobiles de l'Atlantique et de la Baltique
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N1-3 - Dunes côtières mobiles de l'Atlantique et de la Baltique

Atlantic and Baltic shifting coastal dune
N1-2 - Plages de sable de la Méditerranée et de la mer Noire
N1-4 - Dunes côtières mobiles de la Méditerranée, de la Macaronésie et de la mer Noire

Classification des habitats EUNIS 2022

Descriptif de l'habitat

Primary, shifting (so-called 'white') dunes of dynamic coastal sands along the Atlantic, North Sea and Baltic coasts. Early pioneers upshore from the strandline catch sand blown from the beach and initiate foredune, then embryo dune, development stages. They may come and go with subsequent storms, or continue to build higher, mobile dunes that move inland, sometimes to enormous size and in distinct ridges with intervening valleys. Ammophila arenaria is the widespread dominant in the middle to later stages. This grass is especially well-equipped to cope with rapid upbuild and continually shifting sands. Leymus arenarius and ×Ammocalamagrostis baltica play a similar role in colder regions. The latter hybrid is preferred in plantings related to coastal defence measures. The vegetation cover on the sharply-draining, nutrient-poor sand, more or less without organic matter, is typically open with few species, some indicative of the regional temperature contrasts, and some striking fungi. Specialised beetles are also characteristic.

Espèces diagnostiques

Ammophila arenaria, Leymus arenarius, Elytrigia juncea, ×Ammocalamagrostis baltica, Honckenya peploides, Calystegia soldanella, Euphorbia paralias

Espèces constantes

Ammophila arenaria, Elytrigia juncea, Leymus arenarius, Festuca rubra aggr., Eryngium maritimum, Honckenya peploides, Calystegia soldanella, Euphorbia paralias, Carex arenaria, Cakile maritima, ×Ammocalamagrostis baltica, Sonchus arvensis

Espèces dominantes

Ammophila arenaria, Elytrigia juncea, Leymus arenarius

Bibliography

 European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity, 2021. EUNIS terrestrial habitat classification 2021 including crosswalks. ETC/BD-EEA. Table Excel transmise par S. Hennekens (Alterra) le 14/02/2022. (Source)