Saltmarsh - State 3, accretional

Saltmarsh which are accreting seawards and the balance of erosion over accretion is negative are described as accretional. The normal process of succession may provide the mechanism where pioneer Salicornia begins the process of saltmarsh growth. As other species invade extensive areas of mudflat can be colonised as is shown in the picture below. Invading saltmarsh plants are an essential precursor to the development of saltmarsh habitat and its value increases as the marsh develops.

Caption: Mixed saltmarsh (Salicornia and Halimione portulacoides) 'invading' tidal flats in the Dudden Estuary, Cumbria, England. Note the expanding fringe of Spartina anglica in the mid distance.

Caution: In other areas, especially in southern and eastern England and Wales and southern parts of the European continent Spartina anglica is frequently a major and rapid coloniser of muddy tidal flats and can be considered a threat to nature conservation interests.