Salt marshes

Salt marshes are flat coastal landscapes in the transition zone between sea and land. They are flooded regularly during very high tides or storm surges. This makes them a unique habitat: the soil is salty and completely submerged at times, drying out in between. Only highly specialised plants can grow here, such as samphire and sea aster. These plants provide food, shelter and breeding grounds for many animals, including insects and migratory birds. Salt marshes also protect the coast from the ocean by retaining silt and reducing erosion. However, many salt marshes have been destroyed or cut off from the sea due to the construction of dykes, land reclamation and drainage. In addition, they are being affected by climate change.

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