The word links is derived from the Old English hlinc meaning a ridge or bank, but today it is normally used to describe areas of sandy, undulating topography on the east coast of Scotland. Precisely, links are found inland of higher, more mobile coastal dunes, and are characterized by a wide variety of grasses, legumes, and mosses growing on well-developed humic soils (Gimingham, 1964). However, in some places, links refer to the total dune areas—e.g. Preston Links, Foveron Links.
Many links have been used for cattle- and sheep-grazing, but most are now developed for recreational activities, especially golf, the playing of which has been recorded since 1625 on Scottish links (hence golf links). Ranwell (1972) considers that golf courses are important in conserving many dunes and links.
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References
Gimingham, C. H., 1964. The maritime zone, in J. H. Burnett, ed., The Vegetation of Scotland. Edinburgh: Oliver and Boyd, 67–143.
Ranwell, D. S. 1972. Ecology of Salt Marshes and Sand Dunes. London: Chapman and Hall, 258p.
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© 1982 Hutchinson Ross Publishing Company
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Carter, R.W.G. (1982). Links . In: Beaches and Coastal Geology. Encyclopedia of Earth Sciences Series. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-30843-1_259
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-30843-1_259
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