Shrubs planted to strengthen Broughty Ferry’s eroding sand dunes have been destroyed by “mindless vandals”.
The freshly sewn marram grass was disturbed at the esplanade near Mill Street car park at the weekend, following efforts by Dundee City Council to firm up the sandy embankments.
Fencing put up to protect the area was also damaged and a large number of the roots appear to have been deliberately pulled out.
The work is part of a £600,000 flood protection project stretching several miles along the coast from Grassy Beach to the castle and along the Esplanade to the Glass Pavilion.
The culprits have been criticised by Margo Williamson, the chief executive of neighbouring Angus Council, which is implementing similar measures along its coastline.
She said: “Sorry to see all the work Dundee Council parks department have been doing this week to plant and hold the dunes being vandalised. Mindless vandalism.”
Liberal Democrat councillor for the Ferry Craig Duncan said he hoped the damage was not malicious.
He said: “This is most disappointing and I will be contacting the police for extra patrols and the council to have the fencing repaired and to consider if more robust fencing is required.
“I think that informative signs explaining exactly what is being done could help.
“Those visiting might not be aware of the work and assume the council is being awkward by fencing it off.”
Marram grass helps to stabilise sand dunes, allowing them to grow up and become colonised by other species.
Its fibrous, matted roots bind the sand down therefore strengthening the base of the dunes.
As well as the strengthening works, the project is aiming to boost the height and width of some of the sand dunes on Grassy Beach.
Dunes lower than five metres above sea level are being raised to form a natural flood barrier.
Up to half a meter of grass and vegetation will be removed on some, so more sand can be added before grass is replanted on top.
Some of the dunes will also be widened on the land side, with fencing used on the sea side to trap moving sands. More grass will also be grown towards the sea.
The measures were approved by councillors earlier this year as part of a package intended to stabilise the dunes and reduce coastal erosion.
