Creating State 1, coastal grazing marsh from State 3, arable land

Creating or re-creating grazing marsh (whether coastal or not) from arable land is problematic. Not only are there difficulties in re-creating suitable topography and hydrological conditions but also obtaining local support. However, there are examples of successful schemes and in England the Environmentally Sensitive Area scheme has proved successful in North Kent where specific payments are made for this route to, re-creating coastal grazing marsh. A second example is derived from works to compensate for habitat loss caused by a road improvement scheme.

An EC supported LIFE Nature Project in Belgium is seeking to restore saline wet grasslands which involves gathering local support for the project. Other successful arable reversion has occurred at Orfordness.

Comment: For more general information on restoring wet grasslands see RSPB Reserve Management Information sheet - "Re-establishing wet grassland" available via http://www.rspb.co.uk/wildlife/default.asp click on nature reserves; reserves management; habitats.