Saltmarsh vegetation - State 3, Ungrazed / lightly grazing

Historically ungrazed or lightly grazed saltmarshes are structurally diverse and tend to support higher biodiversity than other more heavily grazed saltmarshes (State 1 or State 2). In northern latitudes such sites tend to be the exception. They find their best expression on the high sandy shores of the south and east coasts of the UK, especially in North Norfolk.

Caption: Ungrazed high level saltmarsh, Colne Estuary, Essex, England. Note the salt pan in the foreground and extensive Limonium vulgare.

The greater diversity is reflected in the presence of grazing sensitive species such as Limonium vulgare which has a distinctive and attractive visible presence on many sites (see picture). Overall these sites have a high conservation and at certain times of the year (when Limonium is flowering) this can enhance their landscape and other values.

Caution: These historically ungrazed sites should not be confused or equated with sites where grazing has been abandoned (State 4) . Here the changes in agricultural practice have led to a loss in overall biodiversity.