Sand dunes remain one of the true ‘wild’ places on our doorstep, with their winding paths, grassy hills and rare wildlife. They’re home to many special plants and animals, from natterjack toads and dragonflies, to wildflowers and orchids, and have a fascinating history. However, sand dunes are becoming increasingly scarce, putting wildlife, our heritage, and opportunities to explore areas of wilderness on the line.

The Dynamic Dunescapes project and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust are excited to announce a new opportunity for you to get involved in saving these precious habitats. In partnership with The John Muir Trust, they have come up with a whole host of exciting ways that you can discover, experience, and protect your local coast and sand dunes. Work towards your John Muir award and become an environmental ambassador this Autumn.

Are you up for the challenge?

To find out about the award, download your ‘Dune Discovery’ activity pack and sign up, visit: the Dynamic Dunes website.

You can complete the award as an individual, as part of a school group, or as a family group.

Dynamic Dunescapes is a partnership project between Natural England, Plantlife, Natural Resources Wales, National Trust and the Wildlife Trusts. The project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the EU LIFE Programme. Working across 34 sites in England and Wales, the projects aims to undertake 7,000 hectares of conservation restoration, supporting 33 important sand dune species.

The John Muir Award is an environmental award scheme for anybody to connect with, enjoy, and care for wild places. It's free, non-competitive, inclusive, and most importantly, it’s great fun! This opportunity is well suited for participants working at later stage of primary education and beyond (Year 4 and above in England & Wales), but of course adults are welcome and encouraged too. A Family John Muir Award allows participation for children of all ages and abilities to achieve the award collectively, as part of a family group. Opportunities for schools coming soon.

John Muir was a conservationist whose passion for wild places led him on a life-long quest to protect them. The John Muir Trust is a charity founded in 1983 to safeguard and conserve wild places in the United Kingdom. They set up the Award to continue his mission.