Vegetation
This duneland community is dominated by Elytrigia juncea which initially occurs as colonising patches on the sand but can later form dense, glaucous expanses. Ammophila arenaria is frequent, forming patches where this community merges into marram duneland. Other species are scarce. Rarely, Leymus arenarius can be locally abundant. Atriplex prostrata, Honckenya peploides and Salsola kali are the most frequent strandline species to be encountered. Mean maximum vegetation height = 50.2 cm, n = 57.
Ecology
This is a colonising community of sandy shorelines, where accretion of sand around Elymus juncea leads to the formation of embryonic dunes, usually less than one metre high. Mean altitude = 2.6 m, n = 36; mean extent of bare sand = 67.6%, n = 36.
Sub-communities
No sub-communities are described.
Similar communities
This is a straightforward community that is unlikely to cause confusion.
Conservation value
This community corresponds to EU HD Annex I habitat 2110 Embryonic dunes. It is not very diverse (species/4 m2 = 4.4, n = 89).
Management
Embryonic dunes are unstable habitats and part of the dynamic duneland system. They may be naturally removed by storms and high tides. Anthropogenic impacts including recreation and modification of the coastline.