Using the ecosystem service framework to select grazing or mowing as a preferred vegetation management option

Smith, DJ; Oldfield, P; James, P

Abstract

Ecosystem services and how these are affected by vegetation management for conservation are being investigated. The ecosystem service framework is integrated into decision making to increase biodiversity, ecology and cultural services. The current study uses a rapid assessment of the effects of grazing or mowing on a suite of ecosystem services attributable to saltmarsh.
Our rapid assessment found grazing to be the preferred option over mowing. Grazing to manage vegetation is a well established method of maintaining or enhancing diversity on saltmarsh. Paucity of data regarding decisions and effects on ecosystem services is recognised. Exclosures are being used to measure changes in vegetation structure and assemblage to validate our findings with regard to ecologically based ecosystem services. The current study is part of a larger effort to maximise ecosystem services delivered by the Upper Mersey estuary, Cheshire, through management of vegetation in the habitats found there.

Citation

Smith, D., Oldfield, P., & James, P. (2011, April). Using the ecosystem service framework to select grazing or mowing as a preferred vegetation management option. Poster presented at Vegetation Management, Sheffield Hallam University

• Presentation Conference Type: Poster
• Conference Name: Vegetation Management
• Conference Location: Sheffield Hallam University
• Start Date: Apr 27, 2011
• End Date: Apr 28, 2011
• Deposit Date: Jun 17, 2011
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 5, 2016
• Related Public URLs: http://www.nationalrural.org/event.aspx?id=f56cebc9-4ece-4568-8592-21f7bc0e5080
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference