New informative signage coming to protect Portbury Wharf Salt Marsh

Natural England (NE) have prepared the new signage. They are an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Environment. NE are working with the Friends of Portbury Wharf and other stakeholders to protect this important wildlife refuge.

Portbury Wharf Wildlife Refuge (salt marsh) is not only a vital feeding area for many threatened shore birds but is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is also an amazing blue carbon hotspot which is helping our climate. Research has found that one square metre of salt marsh captures more carbon than one square metre of rain forest. So our salt marshes play a key role in protecting both our local and our global climate.

The passage of many feet, human and canine, have denuded parts of the salt marsh over recent years. Disturbance to wildlife is also a problem when visitors walk away from the main sea wall (embankment) path. So this new signage together with marker posts, to show where we can walk without causing problems, will make a real difference. It will help us all to protect one of the region’s most important natural habitats and wildlife assets.

In the meantime please stay by the sea wall.