Volunteers from the GVCG met at the “Saltings” car park on the 26 June 2023. With Gary from the NWT leading the activity. On the bank separating the salt marsh from the fresh water marsh he pointed to the salt water marsh that was the 150 years old Lavender Marsh that was gradually drying up. One of the principal plants assisting this process was Sea Purslane. On the fresh water side where Sea Buckthorn had been cut down and the roots killed, plants of Heath Groundsel were abundant. Regrowth of any newly emerged Sea Buckthorn was removed annually by mowing. Much of the area was de-capped to remove the top 3-4 inches of soil so that the lower less fertile soil would better support the growth of less vigorous species like Silverweed, Bird’s Foot Trefoil, Selfheal, Common and Lesser Centaury, Carline Thistle, Hound’s Tongue and the rare Yellow-wort. In the damper areas Early Marsh Orchid thrived. The volunteers contributed to the management of the site by pulling the seeding heads off individuals of the dominant Bush Grass. At the end of the session Gary was thanked for leading the mornings activities with such enthusiasm.
Additional Photographs can be viewed in the Pdf file below
