FRBV25 CAE SHARE: Identity Discovering the sand dunes

We took public transport to go to Leffrinckoucke, 7kms away from Dunkerque. We met two professional coastal guides near the Fort des Dunes for a visit to the local environment: the sand dunes. The students were divided into two groups, each with a professional guide. At the beginning of the walk, the guide explained the specificity and fragility of the area and the reasons why it is necessary to protect it and how. As we walked through the dunes, the guide gave some information on the birds which nest there and the plants specific to the environment. We stopped near a remarkable two-hundred years old maple tree. The guide insisted on the fact that it survived two particularly destructive  wars. While admiring the nature of the location, the students had the opportunity to see sheep living in their natural environment. These animals also help to remove unwanted plant species in a natural way. 

Then, we walked to the beach and  the students learnt about the nature and cause of the formation of dunes, from the embryo dune to the woodland. We stopped at some ponds created by bombs during the war, which represents a rich reservoir of biodiversity.

Arrived on the beach, we discovered the bunkers built by the Germans as part of the Atlantic Wall after the re-embarkment of the allies during  the Dynamo Operation. The guide gave us some historic information about these events and it was a perfect follow-up of the visit to the Fort des Dunes a few days before.

Students could understand how fragile and unique is the ecosystem of the sand Dunes and the necessity of its protection. They had a long relaxing walk in nature.

They also got information about the history of the region during WWII, from the Dynamo operation to the German occupation and finally the liberation of the area. They improved their general knowledge in several fields.

An article was published on the blog.