Funding will restore riverside saltmarsh

Drystone walling aims to protect the fragile habitat that lies in front of Sharpham House near Totnes

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Saltmarsh at Sharpham on a bend of the River Dart in Devon

THE Sharpham Trust's work to restore a disappearing riverside habitat has received £25,000 in funding.

The South Devon charity's Sharpham Estate borders the River Dart and the trust has been repairing stone walls that protect areas of saltmarsh along its banks.

Now, thanks to a grant from Devon Environment Foundation that work will continue.

Saltmarshes are considered important habitats as they cushion tidal and wave energy, help prevent flooding and erosion, capture carbon, provide habitats for fish, birds and other wildlife and help regulate water quality by absorbing excess phosphates, nitrates and salt in river water.