Coastal grazing marsh - definition

Coastal grazing marsh is a specific term applied to land derived from the enclosure of salt marsh. Coastal grazing marsh is recognised as a distinct habitat type in Great Britain (Section 11.2.17 of the SSSI Guidelines (Nature Conservancy Council 1989) define it as "Enclosed, unimproved or semi-improved salt marsh."). These areas represent some of the most recent (within the last 200-300 years) enclosures. The habitat is something of an anomaly in European terms and not recognised in the classification used to identify Special Areas of Conservation (European Commission 1999). It is defined by the presence of permanent and semi-permanent grassland, drainage ditches and enclosing earth dykes. Features of the original marsh are present including old creek lines. Saline waters derive from seepage zones through the sea walls and intrusion of sea water along channels which may remain partially open to the tide. As with other wet grasslands the wildlife interest has developed alongside the traditional use of the land for agricultural, notably grazing or hay-making. It is also referred to as 'reclaimed land' (Gray 1977).

Caption: Coastal grazing marsh on the North Kent marshes. Note the fleet (remains of an old creek line) in the foreground. In this case the former saltmarsh is semi-improved and used for hay.

Note: This is the habitat that is the primary focus for this section of the Guide. It differs from coastal wet grassland in being derived from the enclosure of tidal saltmarsh.

References

European Commission 1999. Interpretation manual of European Habitats. Natura 2000. European Commission, DG Environment, Brussels.

Gray, A.J. 1977. Reclaimed land. In: The Coastline, ed.Barnes, R.S.K.John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, 253-270.

Nature Conservancy Council 1989. Guidelines for the Selection of Biological SSSIs. Nature Conservancy Council, Peterborough.