Pressures on saltmarshes

Traditionally saltmarshes have been the subject of a wide variety of pressures ranging from direct destruction from:

1. Enclosure, including saltmarsh loss (through primary land claim); conversion to coastal grazing marsh and arable land
2. Sea level change in particular 'saltmarsh squeeze';
3. Influences caused by changes in grazing management;
4. Other uses such as turf-cutting, hay-making, cutting reed for thatching and samphire Salicornia gathering;
5. Spartina planting / control;
6. Access for sport and recreation including bird-watching, walking, wildfowling etc.;
7. Remedial engineering such as excavation (of upper saltmarsh) for strengthening sea banks and protecting the eroding marsh edge using 'rip-rap';
8. Pollution from oil, chemicals and litter.

These activities cause different scales and intensity of pressure, but they often combine to cause cumulative effects, particularly where land-claim occurs.