The status of Habitats Directive Annex I saltmarsh habitats, transition zones and spartina species in England

On unmodified soft sediment coastlines, of which there are long lengths especially on the English east and south coasts, there should be a wide transitional zone between tidal areas and full terrestrial land. The conditions in this zone result in a rich and distinctive range of habitats. There are two saltmarsh habitats listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive within this zone (H1420 Mediterranean and thermo-Atlantic halophilous scrubs and H1320 Spartina swards,Spartinion maritimae) reflecting its importance for nature conservation. At the time work for this project was started in 2012, the conservation status of these habitats was reported as ‘unfavourable, bad and deteriorating’. Due to construction of artificial sea defences, these zones are now much reduced in extent and distribution and are under threat from a range of factors. This project aims to provide an inventory and description of Annex I saltmarsh habitats and transitional vegetation in England. This will help to update future reporting on conservation status. The outcomes will also help improve understanding of the underpinning processes which can be used in design to improve the potential for recreating these elements of saltmarshes as part of intertidal restoration schemes. The project also provides an up to date assessment of Spartina alterniflora stands in the Solent SAC through review and field survey for 2012.