Salt marshes

Coastal grazing marsh is flat, low lying pasture which has been reclaimed from target_idal salt marsh by the construction of sea walls. The Thames Estuary grazing marshes are known for the occurrence of nationally uncommon plants and invertabrates, and their ability to support nationally significant populations of breeding and wintering birds. In view of the importance of the Thames Estuary grazing marsh for nature conservation, a study was initiated to examine changes in extent of the habitat and the prevailing land use pressures.

This booklet is an attempt to redress the lack of general knowledge on target_idal flats and create awareness about their importance and the current threats facing these little-known ecosystems.