To make Fistral Dunes a valuable local community asset and a diverse habitat. The role the dunes play in providing important biologically diverse habitats cannot be easily recreated elsewhere. There are lots of different species of flora and fauna that are specifically adapted to the unique environment sand dunes create; some are common, some rare and some invasive all of which need conserving, protecting and managing.

Friends of Fistral Dunes (FFD) is a local community group made up of local individuals and community organisations; these include Newquay Marine Group, Land and Sea Cornwall CIC, Cornwall Council (landowner of the dunes) and local stakeholders. It is a fully collaborative, community project and anyone interested in volunteering and joining are welcome to join.

To promote knowledge of all aspects of Fistral Dunes, particularly the natural history and ecology. The dunes also provide access to the sea for residents and visitors alike, which is vital to the holiday industry upon which a significant proportion of Cornwall’s economy depends. It is paramount people understand the delicate nature of the dunes by learning its natural history and importance so as a collective, we can all help protect them.

In recent years, it has become increasingly obvious that Fistral’s dunes are experiencing erosion and sediment loss, perhaps at a rate not seen before. This is partly to do with the weather, partly to do with the dune’s dynamic ecosystem and partly to do with human activity. It is critically important that we rehabilitate and help restore them. The dunes have a role in providing protection against the risk of coastal flooding due to the dynamic nature of beach‐dune interactions and their sheer size preventing the sea from impacting upon the hinterland behind them.

As part of our efforts, we will be managing invasive species such as sea buckthorn to allow native species such as marram grass to thrive and stabilise the sand in identified areas requiring support. We will also be working alongside other environmental groups to help eradicate litter.

To advise and assist in the management of Fistral Dunes in accordance with the Cornwall Beach and Dune Management Plan 2016.To support and encourage all stakeholders, user groups and organisations with an interest in Fistral dunes to devise a wider dune management plan for the future.