SOMERSET, England — Steart Marshes, in southwest England, may not be the most picturesque nature reserve in the British Isles, but it is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating. Just over a decade ago, this landscape was farmland, but its precarious position, wedged between the River Parrett and the Bristol Channel, made it highly vulnerable to flooding. Historically, human-made flood defenses had helped convert the natural marshland into viable pasture. But as these barriers weakened and sea levels rose, both farmland and nearby homes faced increasing risk. In response, local residents, government agencies and conservation organizations sought a long-term solution. Their answer? Rather than fight the encroaching waters, they chose to embrace them. By deliberately breaching the flood defenses, the land was allowed to return to its original form: a vast salt marsh. Salt marsh is a coastal habitat found in the intertidal zone, where land meets the sea. The U.K. has lost around 85% of its salt marshes since the mid-19th century due to coastal development. Yet these ecosystems are vital: They provide a home for diverse wetland wildlife, including wading birds and fish nurseries, act as natural flood barriers by absorbing storm surges, prevent coastal erosion by stabilizing sediments and store large amounts of carbon, helping to combat climate change. Salt marsh is still being lost across the U.K., but Steart Marshes is a thriving example of how salt marsh restoration can benefit both people and nature. Managed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, the site could serve…This article was originally published on Mongabay
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