SD4 Elymus farctus spp. Boreali-atlanticus (sand couch grass) foredune community.  This habitat may also include transitions to SD5 Leymus arenarius mobile dune community, sub-community (b) Elymus farctus sub-community.

These embryo dunes generally take the form of small mounds or ridges, where windblown sand has accumulated around the strandline.  Given an adequate supply of sand and onshore winds, they will continue to build although complete erosion or re-shaping may also be attributable to the wind as well as tidal submersion during spring tides.

Favourable status is largely governed by natural factors ie wind and tides.  Extent is therefore unpredictable.  There is no management intervention here; the habitat is one of the most dynamic components of the sedimentary system.