Definition of the extent and vertical range of saltmarsh
The report aims to define the range of saltmarsh in a concise and applicable way to assist coastal managers in the determination of saltmarsh limits for flood defence realignment schemes.
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The aim of this project is to provide a concise and widely applicable definition of.the vertical range of saltmarsh and to identify links between saltmarsh, coastal fauna and coastal processes. The need for such a definition has arisen during recent flood defence realignments including the set-back of defences and the creation of new areas of saltmarsh. Saltmarsh usually supports a range of plant communities, the species and communities present changing with increasing elevation of the marsh and so decreasing frequency of tidal inundation. The ecological importance of saltmarshes is recognised by their inclusion in many sites of nature conservation importance and by lower ,saltmarsh zones (with cord-grass Spartina and glasswort Salicornia) being considered as important in the European Community Habitats Directive.