Råbjerg Mile is a migrating coastal dune between Skagen and Frederikshavn, Denmark. It is the largest moving dune in Northern Europe with an area of around 2 km2 (0.77 sq mi) and a height of 40 m (130 ft) above sea level.
An important example of the power of the migrating sand is the Sand-Covered Church.[1] Built in the late 14th century and dedicated to Saint Lawrence of Rome, it was almost entirely enveloped in sand by the 18th century. By 1795, the church was abandoned to the sands.[5] The main building was demolished, leaving the tower standing, still visible above the sands.
The dune is drifting out of the government-owned area and discussion over further conservation legislation is taking place.[3]
That was significantly more fascinating that I anticipated.
Bro they have a klitplantation?? 😂
The Sand Drift Act of 1857 allowed the state to buy or expropriate areas of sand drift, and a further Act in 1857 allowed the purchase of areas adjacent to the drifts. Dune grasses and conifers were planted to stabilize the sands and these plantations became common after 1880. Although barren, the dune zone allowed limited sheep farming and some inshore fishing. By the 1950s, the dune drifts were under control.
While the majority of dunes were stabilised by planting, the Råbjerg Mile was left to allow future generations to understand the problem of sand dune drift.
