Traditional management of coastal grazing marsh

Ongoing traditional management is the key to the survival of the nature conservation interest of coastal grazing marshes in most areas. This usually involves low-intensity grazing by cattle or sheep and/or other agricultural use (including hay-making) with low input fertiliser applications. Generally it is the absence of measures to increase stock levels, which characterise traditional management regimes.

Hydrological regimes where water levels are allowed to stay at levels above those considered to be optimum for grazing stock, in both winter and summer are best for nature conservation interests. As many of these sites are derived from more extensive wetlands they will also have pools and ponds, some of which are ephemeral. Between the pools a dry tussocky grassland is often present. Taken together these provide important nesting and feeding sites for breeding birds. Those semi-permanent grasslands that become flooded in winter during periods of high rainfall may support high populations of wintering birds.

Salinity gradients are maintained across the site and in brackish water ditches adjacent to the sea walls which can be important for a number of rare plants and animals. Ditch management is also less intensive, both in frequency and extent.

Comment: The RSPB provide general guidance on managing wet grasslands for breeding waders. Other RSPB guides are also available. A management has been agreed with land-owners for part of the Pevensey Levels, East Sussex, which could serve as a model for other sites where restoration of the former conservation interest is considered appropriate.