North Wales Saltmarsh Project
We’re working in North Wales to assess existing saltmarsh and grow education resources around saltmarshes.
Project overview
WWF-UK are working with the North Wales Wildlife Trust (NWWT) on a one-year project, to the end of 2025, to establish a comprehensive baseline report on the status and extent of North Wales saltmarsh, using historic and current data. While collecting this data, NWWT will aim to connect to local communities and site managers, facilitating conversations and increasing awareness of the importance of saltmarshes.
The other key part of this project focuses on education. Saltmarsh content will be integrated into the current Tir a Môr education pack, where it will reach all schools in Gwynedd and Anglesey. Additionally, NWWT will be running school visits to local saltmarsh sites.
Why we are doing it
Saltmarshes are essential habitat for a number of bird species and serve as important nursery grounds for fish and invertebrates. Furthermore, they are highly effective at mitigating climate change as they act as carbon sinks. Saltmarshes are in decline in the UK, facing numerous threats alongside communities becoming increasingly disconnected from coastal habitats.
Project impact
Creating a detailed saltmarsh baseline will be the foundation for future management of saltmarshes in order to make informed decisions about potential restoration.
By expanding the Tir a Môr education pack to include information about the importance of local saltmarsh and supporting school visits to saltmarsh sites, we aim to develop a connection between local children and the essential saltmarsh habitat.