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Introduction to the Habitat sections
Clicking on the links below will take to an introduction to each of the habitats.
This describes the main features of the habitat. NB these include background
information as well as the 'guidance' for habitat restoration, re-creation and
creation under each of the following headings:
- Definitions and descriptions - This section provides the basic information
on what the habitat is and how it is defined. Where appropriate it includes
a description of the vegetation types and successional relationships;
- Traditional management - In order to provide appropriate back ground
for the guidance it is essential to understand how traditional management
changes the nature of the habitats. In some instances restoration can be achieved
by reversing levels or types of management such as manipulating grazing pressure.
Many of these techniques are well tried and tested and the guide provides
an introduction to there use, including links to sources of relevant published
material;
- Reasons to restore - Coastal areas have been the subject of human
activity and development for centuries. These have put pressure on the 'natural'
areas modifying some, destroying others. The overall picture is one of loss
as the coastal habitats are squeezed into an ever narrower zone (especially
where sea level is rising relative to the land) and with it a loss of habitat
occurs. This loss of conservation value is accompanied in some areas by a
reduction in other values such as those associated with landscape, sea defence
or the economy. The summary gives the user an indication of the key justifications
for taking restorative action;
- States and values - Coastal habitats exist in several different states
according to their management or position in the successional cycle. These
are described, together with their values, which may change between the states.
Overall this provides the user with basic information to help identify appropriate
options for restoration, re-creation or creation of the habitat;
- Routes to restoration (Guidance) - Having established the existing
and required states the route to restoration is provided in this section.
This gives details of the restoration actions which can be taken to move the
habitat from one state to another. These are based on existing practice and
include links, where appropriate, to specific casework examples;
- Publications - A list of the key publication which provide background
information, those which have been written to provide guidance on restoration
work and the most relevant Web Sites.
The following habitats have detailed guidance:
Caution: Before embarking on a specific habitat restoration scheme
in a particular location, there are a number of general
principles which it would be wise to consider before any work is
undertaken.
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