Wild Saltholme

RSPB Saltholme is an important habitat for wintering wildfowl and wetlands, supporting an abundance of wildlife. However, in response to the nature and climate emergency a new vision is being developed – one that will expand the existing reserve, as well as the diversity and mosaic of habitats supported by the site in the long-term. A rewilding approach is being taken to allow natural processes to lead the way on 100ha of former farmland to improve the resilience of the site for wildlife and people.

Grazing across the Wild Saltholme area will be removed to allow vegetation to be restored. Arable cropping will cease across the area to encourage the restoration of natural habitats, including grassland. This will aim to restore natural habitats and create opportunities for more wildlife to move into the area.

NATURE BASED ENTERPRISES

Visitors are already encouraged to the area, supported by a visitor centre, shop and café. Wild Saltholme will provide an additional educational resource for visitors to learn about the project and how nature is returning.

KICK STARTING REWILDING

Arable cropping ceased on the site, and grazing livestock have been removed. The removal of grazing animals will give the vegetation the opportunity to naturally regenerate, restoring a mosaic of habitats including grassland and scrub. Some supplementary tree planting will be undertaken to restore the seed source for the area, which has been lost. Six new ponds have been created to restore the natural hydrology to the area. Small areas of grassland have been ploughed and harrowed along some hedgerows to encourage germination of seeds.