Saltmarsh vegetation - State 2, moderately grazed

Saltmarshes which are moderately grazed by domestic stock have a mosaic of vegetation with patches of tightly grazed swards (of red fescue Festuca rubra and other grasses) and denser more structurally diverse stands of other plants. These may include grazing sensitive plants such as sea lavender Limonium spp. and/or sea purslane Atriplex portulacoides. Stock densities will usually range from 5 - 6 sheep or 1.0 - 1.5 young cattle per ha. (April - October) at the higher end to 2 sheep or 0.3 cattle per ha (year round). Whilst there may be some reduction in the standing crop of plants at the higher stock levels, plant diversity and bird breeding densities may still be high.

Caption: Moderately grazed saltmarsh. The sward includes low-growing saltmarsh grass Puccinellia maritima and the less palatable cord grass Spartina anglica, Bridgwater Bay, Somerset. Note the sheep track disappearing into the distance.

Comment: The value of a moderately grazed saltmarsh can include vegetation suitable for grazing ducks and geese as well as nesting habitat. Tidal creeks represent 'wet fences' and tidal movement restricts access to the saltmarsh allowing a mosaic of vegetarian types to develop.