Volunteers Plant Marram Grass to Combat Coastal Erosion at Inchydoney Beach

Clean Coasts and local conservation groups joined forces last Sunday to address growing concerns about coastal erosion on one of West Cork's most beloved beaches.

As part of the Clean Coasts Roadshow series, Regional Officer Elaine Doyle met with Climate Ambassadors from Cork and the Inchydoney Dunes Conservation Group for a coastal protection workshop at Inchydoney Beach on 27th April.

The event focused on dune protection and natural management strategies, with experts from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) providing valuable guidance on dune management and biodiversity preservation.

Following discussions, 15 volunteers participated in a hands-on marram grass planting demonstration, establishing a small educational site to raise awareness about dune conservation techniques.

"The weather held up for the event, and it was lovely to have an outdoor classroom in West Cork," said Elaine Doyle, Clean Coasts Officer for the South West Region. "Workshops like this highlight the importance of community action in protecting our coasts. By working with local authorities, experts, and local community groups we can find the best solutions for protecting our beloved coastline."

The initiative is part of the broader Clean Coasts Roadshow, which runs from January to May each year across Ireland. The programme offers talks and workshops for coastal communities on topics including marine litter, biodiversity, wildlife conservation and sustainable development.

These events provide valuable networking opportunities for community groups, helping them build volunteer capacity and share responsibilities in coastal conservation efforts.

The Inchydoney project demonstrates how local action can contribute to addressing wider environmental challenges through practical conservation work and community engagement.