Managing Saltmarsh

Traditionally saltmarshes are managed by grazing. The level of grazing, especially grazing regimes associated with agricultural use, have a profound effect on the nature of the vegetation and it conservation value. Reversing high (or low) level of grazing by domestic stock provide an important means of restoring saltmarsh vegetation.

Early in the 20th century the accidental introduction of a non-native saltmarsh plant Spartina alterniflora (from America) caused a profound change in many saltmarshes in the south and east of England and ultimately in many other parts of the world.

Other forms of management, which principally relate to the erosion and/or accretion of satltmarshes and the restoration methods appropriate to promote the former.