Grazing • Access and amenity • Pollution • Coastal defence maintenance • Alternative uses

Grazing (cont)

Light grazing • Moderate grazing • Heavy grazing • Abandoned grazing

Abandoned (formerly grazed)

Grazing of saltmarsh by domestic stock has become less extensive geographically and there are a number of examples of formerly heavily grazed sites which have been abandoned in recent years. The effect of this is to allow the species favoured by grazing, which are often some of the most vigorous species, to become dominant. These include common saltmarsh grass and sea couch (Elymus pycnanthus). After only a few years, the combination of litter accumulation and the growth of the formerly suppressed species tends to result in a dense and matted vegetation structure. Plant species diversity is further reduced and the saltmarsh becomes less suitable for invertebrates and breeding birds.