Ten years of saltmarsh restoration in noard-fryslân Bûtendyks

The nature conservation organisation, It Fryske Gea, is committed to preserving the natural values of this area just outside the seawall and so, in 2001, initiated a trial to restore saltmarshes in the area. The bank of a 123-hectare summer polder was breached in three places to let seawater in; then, for the next ten years, researchers carefully investigated the effects on the flora and fauna, the changes in marsh- surface level, soil salinity – everything involved in the restoration of a saltmarsh. The research, financially supported by the Waddenfonds, produced a wealth of information and insights that will be useful for future projects. The results from this research have been recorded in various reports and in articles in scientific journals. This brochure contains the highlights of this research.