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Solent Protection Society Conference: 'What Future for the Solent's Saltmarshes?'

Report of a meeting of the Solent Protection Society on 23rd September 2008 concerning the history and evolution of saltmarshes in the Solent, Hampshire, and featuring their role in sustaining biodiversity and coastal defences. Contact details for further information about the role of coastal saltmarshes nationally, as well as in the Solent, are contained in this report.

On 23rd September 2008 the Solent Protection Society held a major Conference at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, on the theme 'What Future for the Solent's Saltmarshes?' The Society's ability to attract eminent speakers from a range of key organisations, and the fact that around 120 people attended, shows that it is a highly important and topical subject.

Ian Townend, HR Wallingford's Research Director, one of the country's leading experts on saltmarsh research and restoration and habitat creation schemes, gave a thought provoking scene setting overview. Speakers from Natural England and the Environment Agency emphasised the importance of saltmarshes for biodiversity and coastal defence, respectively. Channel Coastal Observatory staff gave an impressive presentation on past and predicted changes to saltmarshes which showed that saltmarshes are likely to disappear from parts of the Solent within 30 to 50 years. This was reinforced by the conclusions of the EU-funded BRANCH project that also looked at the implications for spatial planning.

The afternoon session was devoted to Saltmarsh Restoration and Habitat Creation, starting with the best examples from around England (primarily the Humber and Thames estuaries), and then looking at the potential for schemes in the Solent. The Environment Agency's Regional Habitat Creation Programme was presented, followed by a summary of Southampton University's study (for the EA and Hampshire County Council) of the potential for the beneficial use of dredgings for the restoration and recharge of saltmarshes. Andy Bradbury of New Forest District Council gave a brief talk on the possibilities for saltmarsh restoration in the western Solent. The Conference concluded with a panel discussion on the key issues.

Feedback about the Conference has been very positive. There is no doubt that it greatly improved the understanding of saltmarsh issues, and aroused a great deal of interest. However, as with most if not all conferences, although many important issues were highlighted and debated they remain unresolved. The SPS Council is considering what needs to be done, and in particular what role the Society should play. In order to be as well informed as possible, the Society would welcome views from all who have an interest in this important subject.

Conference Proceedings are being produced, and are expected to be available by early December. Every Conference delegate will receive a copy, and additional copies can be purchased at £10 each, from the SPS Secretary, Mrs Judy Davies: telephone 01453-511175, or email judy.davies8@btinternet.com

The Conference was sponsored by Beaulieu Manor Estate, who provided the venue, and BP, who funded the publication of the Proceedings.

The above summary was prepared by Alan Inder, a member of the Solent Protection Society's Council, who helped organise the conference.