Students future dune protectors

 

Mangawhai Beach School’s problem solving group went to the Heads Surf Beach on November 6, accompanied by teacher Andie Gore, and local Mangawhai Harbour expert John Dickie, who taught them about the different grasses planted on the dunes and why they are there.

The students found out that these plants must be protected from foot traffi c otherwise stems are broken and the plant dies. Sand fencing erected at the base of the dune and along walkways also helps to keep people from walking on the sand dunes.

John stressed the importance of telling others about protecting the sand dunes and the coastal environment as it is the children now that need to make a difference for the future. Students also had a scavenger hunt to fi nd different things on the beach and finished off with a beach clean up.

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