As demand for space near the coast continues to rise, one solution has been to develop new beach and dune landforms to support recreational requirements and offer protection to communities within these areas. In Beach and Dune Restoration issues pertaining to the need for restoration and the tools involved in designing and conducting restoration projects are addressed over eight chapters. The book is aimed at those working within environmental conservation such as coastal scientists, engineers and managers, though the information contained may not go into as much depth as required by environmental professionals. Some of the information has been repeatedly covered in other texts, though this book is novel in that it addresses the need for compromise between different user groups and how past management techniques have focused on the negative aspects of environmental loss, rather than the opportunities that the development of new landforms generates. This additional angle makes this book a useful resource for undergraduate students interested in the future of coastal management.

Nordstrom paints quite a bleak view at the start of the book by outlining the immense destructive impacts humans are having on beach and dune systems, but positively addresses the issues throughout chapters 2 to 4. The author realistically discusses the unlikelihood of ever returning to pristine ecosystems, and instead focuses on the compromise between human reliance on coastal systems and the need to conserve and manage what little is left of the natural environment. Chapter 4 critically reviews a range of restoration techniques, but focuses on the important role natural processes have to play in the successful restoration of coastal landforms. These processes are often overlooked by management teams determined to deliver a successful project under time and financial constraints. The book's underlying premise that the development of new landforms presents beneficial opportunities for advancing natural environments and conserving beach and dune systems is brought to the forefront within this chapter. Chapter 5 focuses upon restoration options in spatially restricted areas and highlights the responsibility that local property owners have to work alongside planners and managers to reduce the impact of human activities on the natural environment. This is a theme that is carried into chapters 6 and 7, which further emphasize the importance of communication and cooperation between all stakeholders. The main issues affecting different stakeholders are outlined along with how these are perceived by other stakeholders within the area. This is a welcome inclusion, presenting an unbiased view of opinions.

Examples are drawn heavily from the USA, though some current practices in Europe are briefly alluded to in the final chapter on ‘Research needs’. The text is supported by a wide range of relevant references, though arguments could have been strengthened by the inclusion of case studies to provide evidence of restoration in practice. While it is clear that the author has passionate views about the current and future management of beach and dune systems, he presents a very balanced argument and regularly outlines the positive and negative impacts of techniques; this allows the reader to make an informed decision as to their value as management tools. The statements concluding each chapter not only usefully summarize the main points, but also present ideas for the future management of coastal ecosystems. The use of tables embedded within the text allows Nordstrom to present often contrasting information clearly and concisely. While it is appreciated that the publication cost would have increased by the inclusion of coloured figures, the detail in many of the figures is lost due to their being printed in black and white.

The book meets its aim in that it informs and educates stakeholders about potential viable alternative methods of managing developing landforms with the view to maintaining their function in line with stakeholder interests, while allowing natural processes to progress, further improving stability and diversity in beach and dune systems.