SPECIES TO LOOK OUT FOR
Sand lizard
By far the rarest of our three native lizards, this beautiful creature is confined to just a few sand dunes and heaths across England – though reintroduction programmes have recently helped to establish new populations. It is more robust and bulkier than its common counterpart. Males are easiest to spot in spring, as their large heads and flanks become flushed bright green to attract prospective mates.
Northern marsh orchid
This pretty plant is bright purple, with dark spots and lines marking the flowers, but it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from other marsh orchid species. It flowers from late May through to July, and is most abundant in damp, coastal dune slacks. As its name suggests, the species’ main range is in Scotland, Wales and north-west England.
Sea sandwort
Fleshy and hairless by nature, sea sandwort has sprawling stems that keep it out of the wind. These possess neatly arranged, pointed leaves, stacked in opposite pairs. The plant is one of the earliest colonisers of embryonic sand dunes. It eventually beats a hasty retreat, when other botanical competition takes hold.
Sea holly
Though more closely related to the carrot family than holly trees, sea holly lives up to its name, with impressively spiky, blue-green leaves. It is relatively common in among sand dunes. Waxy cuticles covering the leaves help the plant to retain moisture in the arid, windy, salty conditions where it thrives.
Natterjack toad
Much smaller than the common toad, the natterjack has a distinctive yellow stripe running down its back. The species is mostly nocturnal, and the males’ mating chorus can be heard over a mile away.