BCP Council is asking residents to give their opinion on the sand dunes at Sandbanks.

The South West Flood and Coastal, a joint service between BCP Council and East Devon District Council, has initiated a survey to gather public opinion.

The council wants to hear from both residents and businesses about their views on the sand dunes.

Sand dunes, found at the top of the beach, are formed by the collection of wind-blown sand.

These dunes provide a natural defence against coastal erosion and serve as a habitat for sand lizards, a protected species.

Vegetation plays a key role in stabilising the dunes, with the roots binding the sand together.

Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, environment and energy, said: "Sand dunes play such an important role for coastal communities to help reduce the risk of coastal flooding and erosion.

"They also offer habitats to native plants, insects, reptiles, birds and amphibians, which is why it is important that the council has a clear policy to manage the sand dunes at Sandbanks, to ensure species, like the sand lizard, are protected."

"Sandbanks is a unique location, which following sand dune regeneration carried out in 1996 and 2001, has seen sand dunes grow and become well established.

"The sand dunes at Sandbanks are particularly exceptional, due to their proximity to the urban environment development and they endure intensive use by beach visitors, which means additional consideration needs to be given to their future management and development.

"They provide a natural means to take wave energy in a storm and protect the land behind them.

"I encourage people to take part in the survey, which I hope will also raise awareness of the importance of sand dunes within our coastal communities, particularly in light of the protected species that live on the dunes."

The consultation and survey will be open until Monday, September 30.

Visit haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/sand-dunes to participate.

The feedback, along with further research and data, will help shape the Sandbanks Dune Management Study, set to be formally consulted on next year.