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Establishing saltmarsh vegetation
Saltmarsh will become established on tidal areas of a suitable elevation and
with a degree of protection from high energy tides and waves. In some instances
consideration is given to enhancing this process by the introduction of plant
material onto the tidal surfaces. Planting Spartina
in areas where dredged
sediment is used to elevate surface levels is used extensively in
the USA. The use of this approach has been reviewed in a study sponsored by
the Environment Agency (http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk),
which considers seeding and planting issues taking experience both in the UK
and abroad. The report "The Restoration of Vegetation on Saltmarshes"
R&D report W208 (Brooke et al. 2000)
includes discussion of the following:
- Saltmarsh seeding, planting and natural regeneration initiatives in the
UK;
- Saltmarsh seeding, planting and natural regeneration initiatives in other
parts of the world, especially USA;
- The physical, chemical and biological conditions required for successful
saltmarsh vegetation establishment;
- Identification of species potentially useful for flood defence engineering
works;
- Guidance on the decision making process for saltmarsh creation or restoration.
A summary of the report is also presented as Chapter 10 of the Environment
Agency R&D Note 324 (Toft & Maddrell
1995). Recent studies have also helped to elucidate the importance of
drainage and elevation in saltmarsh restoration (Crooks
et al. 2002).
| Guidance: Whilst some or all of these techniques will aid colonisation,
if the conditions of elevation and 'protection' are suitable then it is
likely that 'natural' colonisation will take place. |
Key References
Toft, A.R. & Maddrell, R.J.
1995.
A Guide to the Understanding and Management of Salt Marshes .
National Rivers Authority R&D Note, 324
References
Brooke, J., Landin, M., Meakins, N. & Adnitt, C.
2000.
The Restoration of Vegetation on Saltmarshes.
Environment Agency R&D Technical Report, 208
Environment Agency.
Abstract...
Crooks, S., Schutten, J., Sheem, G.D., Pye, K. & Davy, A.J.
2002.
Drainage and elevation as factors in the restoration of salt marsh in Britain.
Restoration Ecology, 10., 591-602.
Abstract...
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