Visitors are being invited to discover the hidden importance of Saltmarshs through a week-long celebration of the habitat at Newtown National Nature Reserve.
In an effort to mark National Saltmarsh Day, the National Trust has organised a week-long programme of activities on the Isle of Wight, which will run from until 14th June.
Saltmarsh Week will feature guided walks, expert talks, wildlife discovery sessions and interactive displays aimed at showcasing one of the Island’s most overlooked coastal habitats.
The Saltmarsh at Newtown forms part of the sheltered Solent coastline and plays a vital role in protecting shores from erosion, storing carbon and supporting a wide range of wildlife.
Often mistaken for empty mudflats, Saltmarsh habitats help absorb wave energy, trap sediment and nutrients, and provide feeding and nursery grounds for birds, fish and marine life.
The National Trust says these habitats are increasingly under threat across the UK due to rising sea levels, coastal squeeze and human activity.
Paul Davies, Countryside Manager for the National Trust on the Isle of Wight, said:
“Saltmarsh is easy to overlook, but it does extraordinary work.
Article continues below this advertisement “It filters sea water by trapping nutrients and carbon-rich sediments and supports a surprising range of wildlife – from sea aster bees, wasp spiders and long- and short-winged coneheads, to fish such as bass, mullet and smooth-hound sharks.
“At Newtown, it’s a vital, living system right on our doorstep.”
Throughout the week, visitors will be able to explore displays and hands-on activities at the visitor point, including a photography exhibition by marine biologist and photographer Theo Vickers, a live native Saltmarsh tank and a short film highlighting the sounds and textures of the habitat.
Bird Aware Solent Rangers will also be at Newtown on Thursday (11th June) to share information about migratory coastal birds that rely on the Solent’s Saltmarshes during their journeys.
A series of bookable talks and guided walks are also planned throughout the week, including an introductory talk titled ‘What is a Saltmarsh?’, on 9th June a World Saltmarsh Day guided walk, on 11th June and a Birds of the Estuary and Saltmarsh walk on 12th June.
The National Trust says the events are aimed at anyone interested in wildlife, birdwatching, photography, climate change or exploring a different side of the Isle of Wight’s landscape.
More information and booking details can be found via the National Trust Isle of Wight website here.
