Summary of values for saltmarsh

Positive values for saltmarshes, so long as the saltmarsh is in a stable equilibrium (State 2) or accreting (State 3) include:

• Along with the tidal flats the marsh helps to form a natural sea defence;
• In areas with a positive sediment budget saltmarshes have the potential to keep up with sea level rise;
• Landscape - large saltmarshes can contribute significantly to the landscape in low-lying coastal areas, especially within estuaries;
• Recreation - including bird watching, walking and boat mooring;
• Providing pipeline landfall sites - the close proximity to the sea, ease of digging and relative remoteness makes them ideal for burying pipes. Restoration is also relatively easy;
• Military training - large remote open areas are often required for military training. Some major firing ranges lie over extensive saltmarshes (and tidal flats such as in the Wash in south east England);
• Research and teaching - other more benign values attach, for example, through their use as an educational or research resource (for studying all aspects of succession and geomorphology).

Comment: Eroding marshes (State 1) generally have largely negative values. All of these values should be considered alongside those values for the four states identified for saltmarsh vegetation, with which they may overlap.