Coastal & Floodplain Grazing Marsh

Coastal & Floodplain Grazing Marsh- Dorset


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Devon

N Somerset

Sedgemoor

Coastal Floodplain & Grazing Marsh SW

Coastal Floodplain & Grazing Marsh

Dorset Biodiversity Initiative

Key factors

Extent/Distribution

Historically, Dorset contained about 5300 ha of lowland wet grassland. Since about 1900 about 200 ha (12%) of Dorset’s grazing marsh has been destroyed through loss of the tidal channels or ditch network from development, waste disposal and re-flooding. Parts of the remaining area have changed from grassland to reed swamp. In coming years some grazing marsh around the Arbors will be vulnerable to loss from rising sea level and the unsustainable nature of some sea walls.

Threats

no information currently available

Action Plan Objectives

1. Maintain the extent and quality of existing habitat.
2. Restore grazing marsh from drier, semi-improved or improved grassland or arable land
3. Secure appropriate physical and hydrological conditions to re-establish the river floodplain function and habitats wherever feasible.
4. Continue to conduct research and monitoring which will improve our knowledge and understanding of associated key species.
5. Provide opportunities for education, access and awareness raising initiatives

Action Plan Targets

[see above]

Current Action

Agricultural dis-intensification/ Inappropriate management

SSSI Management Agreements and agri-environment schemes aim to reduce dairy farming impacts and increase extensive farming practices.

Management advice to extend grazing marsh targeted to Frome Valley, Piddle, Avon and Poole Harbour margins.

Avon Valley Liaison Group help coordinate work on grazing marsh within the Avon Valley.

Dorset Grazing Animals Project set up by English Nature for SSSI’s.

Experimental management of water levels through EN and RSPB site management around Poole Harbour.

Impact of sea level rise

Investigation into managed retreat options around Poole Harbour through Shoreline Management Plan (SLMP).

Monitoring of habitat condition

Bird counts are used to establish condition of grazing marsh in key areas.

EN Condition Assessments for SSSI’s completed.

Public access management

Public access managed on site by site basis.

Proposed Action

Policy and legislation

No information currently available

Management

Agricultural dis-intensification/ Inappropriate management

Lobby for increased financial incentives for Water Level Management Plans (WLMPs).

PARTNERS:All interested organisations

.Dorset Wetland BAP Group to develop ecological targets for restoration of grazing marsh.

PARTNERS: Wetland BAP Group

Seek to ensure Water Level Management Plan (WLMP) implementation increases uptake of ESA Tier C in the Avon Valley ESA.

PARTNERS: DEFRA, EA

Wetland Group to review the success of Dorset Grazing Animals Project for grazing marsh, and recommend further action.

PARTNERS:Wetland BAP Group

Impact of sea level rise

Work with Shoreline Management Plan (SLMP) process to ensure where managed retreat options are considered, mitigating freshwater habitat will be created.

PARTNERS: EN, EA, RSPB, LA’s

Research and monitoring

Monitoring of habitat condition

SSSI Condition Assessment criteria to be rolled out for SNCI’s.
PARTNERS: DWT

Education and awareness raising

Public access management

Work with landowners towards a strategic approach to access on grazing marsh, to balance adequate access and wildlife protection.

PARTNERS: EN, EA, DWT, RSPB, LA’s

Progress

no information currently available