Dune fossile de Ghyvelde, Protected dune area in Ghyvelde, France
The Ghyvelde fossil dune is a protected sand formation in northern France that stretches across several kilometers and extends into the Belgian border region. The landscape features open sandy areas interspersed with low vegetation and sections covered in moss and lichen growth.
This dune formed around 5,000 years ago and represents a surviving remnant of coastal systems that once shaped the North Sea shoreline. It stands as one of the few remaining natural traces of those ancient coastal cordons in the maritime plain.
The site is grazed by Haflinger horses that roam the landscape to maintain its open character. This grazing practice shapes how the land looks and functions today.
The area lies several kilometers from the current coastline and is accessible via marked trails that connect different sections of the dune. Sturdy footwear is recommended due to the sandy terrain and variable ground conditions.
The site hosts moss and lichen patterns that create landscapes resembling those found in much colder regions further north. These rare combinations of sand-dwelling plants develop only under specific environmental conditions.
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