Marram Grass
Ammophila arenaria
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Marram Grass is the builder of the Sefton Coast dunes. Without it, the sand would simply blow away. Its deep root systems and rhizomes bind the sand, and the rolled leaves reduce water loss in the dry, exposed dune environment. It's a pioneer — the first plant to colonise bare sand — and the dune system grows because of it. The stiff, sharp-tipped leaves are adapted to reduce water loss, and the plant can be buried by fresh sand and simply grow upward through it.
At a Glance
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Habitat | Mobile sand dune · Fore-dune · Yellow dune |
| UK population | Abundant on all UK Atlantic and North Sea dune systems |
| Sefton Coast | Dominant plant of the yellow dune system throughout the Sefton Coast |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Mobile sand dunes across the entire Sefton Coast from Southport to Formby. The dominant plant of the yellow dune.
Identification
Stiff, rolled, pointed greyish-green leaves. Tough and sharp — will scratch if grabbed. Grows in dense tussocks. Pale straw-coloured flower spike in summer.
Viewing & Photography Tips
The pale yellow dunes at Formby are named after the plant's colour — yellow dunes are Marram-dominated, showing the dune is still mobile.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why must you not walk on marram grass on the dunes?
Marram Grass roots and rhizomes bind the sand and hold the dune structure together. Trampling damages the plant and the root network, causing the dune to become unstable and vulnerable to 'blowouts' — hollows carved by the wind. Once vegetation is broken, erosion can be rapid and irreversible. Stick to marked paths on the dune face.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.