Celebrating the First Ever World Saltmarsh Day

Today, 11 June 2025, marks the first ever World Saltmarsh Day – a new global celebration organised by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, recognising the vital role of saltmarshes for people and nature. These unique coastal wetlands are some of the most productive ecosystems on Earth, and here in East Anglia, we’re lucky to have them right on our doorstep.

At Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust, we’re proud to mark this important day by highlighting the incredible value of saltmarsh habitats in the Deben estuary – and how our ongoing Recovering the Deben from Source to Sea project is working to protect and enhance these fragile habitats for generations to come.

What is a saltmarsh, and why do they matter?

Spotlight on the River Deben

The River Deben, winding from the source near Debenham to the estuary mouth at Felixstowe Ferry, is home to some of Suffolk’s most ecologically rich saltmarshes. These habitats line the estuary, supporting overwintering wading birds, rare plants, fish and invertebrates. Its importance for habitats is recognised through its Ramsar status which means it is a wetland of international importance.

But like many others, the Deben saltmarshes are shrinking – through a process of coastal squeeze. As sea levels rise with climate change, the saltmarsh is squeezed against coastal defences and eroded away.   Pollution and water quality also threaten these important habitats. That’s why, through our Recovering the Deben: Source to Sea project, we’re taking action.

Tidal saltmarsh on the Deben Estuary

Recovering the Deben: Source to Sea

This ambitious catchment-wide project brings together communities, landowners, and conservation experts to restore natural processes from the Deben’s headwaters to its estuary.

As part of our work on the Deben, we're looking at the interaction between the freshwater river system and saltwater estuary to better understand patterns of loss and recovery. We’re supporting estuary-edge landowners with advice on habitat-friendly management and nature-based solutions to erosion, while also identifying opportunities for restoration or natural expansion of saltmarsh habitat. Community involvement is central to our approach, working in partnership to help local people reconnect with these vital coastal landscapes.

Saltmarshes don’t exist in isolation – their health depends on the wider catchment. By tackling pollution, runoff, and sediment flow throughout the Deben, we can give the estuary and its saltmarshes the best chance of recovery, enhancing wildlife habitat quality and connectivity across the Deben landscape.

Get involved

• Find out about saltmarsh habitats

• View the Recovering the Deben action plan