Environmental Pride For Erith Saltings
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Remnants of ancient forest are visible at
Erith Saltings during low tide. |
Free worksheets are being used to encourage local youngsters to find out more
about the natural riches of Erith Saltings.
The Erith Saltings are located on the south bank of the Thames Estuary between
Erith and Dartford Marshes. The site is the last remnant of saltmarsh south
of the Thames in Greater London and consists of an area of mudflats, reed beds
and saltmarsh. Sections of submerged ancient forest can also be seen at low
tide. In fact, the Erith Saltings is one of only a few places around the coast
of the UK where submerged ancient forest can be seen.
Many of the plants growing on saltmarsh are rare because they are unique to
this habitat. Saltmarshes are also important areas for small creatures such
as worms, shrimps, shellfish, wading birds and wildfowl. They provide nursery
areas for fish as well as nesting areas for waders, wildfowl and seabirds.
Cllr Gareth Bacon, Cabinet Member for the Environment said: "The London
Borough of Bexley takes great pride in the local environment and we are extremely
lucky to have such a unique area as the Erith Saltings on our door step. I
am sure anybody who decides to find out more about the Erith Saltings will
be fascinated by what they discover."
The worksheets, sponsored by the Thames Gateway London Partnership, have been
distributed to secondary schools throughout the borough and are also available
from local libraries and Erith Yacht Club.
