Saltmarsh

“Saltmarshes are often remote, inhospitable places, neither land nor sea, as hard to pin down as they are to navigate. In this saline odyssey, Clive Chatters has explored his favourite creeks, pools and mudflats to bring us an absorbing celebration of the ecology, biology, geology and history of this scarce and mysterious habitat. There are Tadpole Shrimps, and rare sedges, waders and Wild Celery – even inland saltmarshes – in this tour de force by a superb naturalist and writer.”

BRETT WESTWOOD, naturalist, author and radio presenter

Saltmarsh by Clive Chatters delves into one of Britain’s most diverse and dynamic landscapes. Saltmarshes abound around our shores but may also be found inland and at altitude where water, salt, and vegetation combine. The species they support range from extreme rarities of specialised habitats to the more commonplace residents of coastal wetlands. This landscape is of international importance for migratory birds, endemic plants, and a remarkable variety of invertebrates.

Clive Chatters possesses a lifelong connection to saltmarshes. In this fifth volume of the British Wildlife Collection, he celebrates their natural history and diversity, from the distinctive marshes in the Scottish Highlands to the urban remnants of the Thames estuary now encompassed within the capital. Through examining the history of these complex habitats, readers gain insights into their development and their relationship with people.

In addition to their exceptionally diverse natural history, saltmarshes provide food and medicine, play a pivotal role in flood defence and carbon sequestration, and have inspired artistic endeavours.