Grazing marsh - changing states summary

One of the key elements in the management and restoration of grazing marsh is the level of stock use. This is in turn influenced by the balance between summer and winter water levels. The figure below depicts the general trend in relative values between nature conservation (State 1) and agricultural use (State 2). State 3, the final stage in the development of intensive agricultural use (usually arable) has no grazing value and little nature conservation interest (shown in red on the figure below).

The principle route to restoration therefore involves attempts to balance the needs of wildlife with agriculture (State 2 to State 1). Achieving this balance is not easy and requires both the manipulation of water levels and grazing regimes. The issue of re-creating or creating grazing marsh from arable land (State 3 to State 1) is also considered. The routes to restoration are shown in green on the figure above.

Caveat: State 1 the "Summer dry" condition implies 'dry' grassland but this may have damp patches and pools within the matrix of grassland. The key point is that generally water levels for conservation purposes are higher, both in summer and winter, than those where agricultural improvements are sought.