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Saltmarsh Revival: Dredged Mud Builds New Coastline
19 Sep
Summary
- Dredged harbour sediment is successfully restoring eroding saltmarshes.
- Vegetation regrew in treated areas within about a year after sediment placement.
- This innovative method offers an alternative to traditional saltmarsh restoration.
A groundbreaking trial at Lymington Harbour, Hampshire, has demonstrated a novel method for restoring eroding saltmarshes using dredged sediment. The project, led by Lymington Harbour Commissioners and partners, aims to reverse the decline of saltmarshes that began around 1920. By strategically relocating dredged sediment to higher marsh areas, the initiative has successfully facilitated the re-establishment of saltmarsh vegetation.
Initial trials in August and September 2024, utilizing a specialized drag box, placed approximately 800 cubic metres of sediment. Monitoring revealed significant vegetation recovery within about 12 months, with rapid colonization occurring over a single winter. This success, despite challenges with equipment and weather during the 2024 campaign, offers a promising alternative to traditional restoration methods, particularly where other approaches are not feasible.
The Lymington project addresses a broader issue of saltmarsh degradation across the UK, which diminishes vital ecosystem services like carbon storage and flood defense. The method's potential to be applied in other eroding saltmarsh locations nationwide is being explored, with further monitoring to assess long-term durability.
