Strandängar

Strandängar are coastal meadows that occur along shorelines in Sweden and other parts of northern Europe. They form in damp, brackish soils influenced by seawater and groundwater and are typically found at or behind the foredune systems. The habitat is semi-natural and has long been shaped by human land use, especially grazing and hay-making. Regular disturbance helps keep the vegetation open and prevents encroachment by shrubs and trees.

Geography and soils: Strandängar occur where soils remain moist and are periodically or seasonally flooded. The plant community is dominated by salt-tolerant grasses and herbaceous species, with a gradual shift from more salt-influenced vegetation near the water to a broader meadow flora inland. In Sweden they are commonly found along the Baltic coast, including areas on Gotland, Öland and the mainland coasts.

Ecology and biodiversity: The meadows support a diverse array of plants and invertebrates and provide important feeding and nesting habitats for shorebirds and other wildlife. The mosaic of open meadow, damp zones and drier margins contributes to landscape diversity and supports pollinators and other coastal biota.

Threats and management: Modern coastal development, drainage, eutrophication and changes in grazing regimes threaten strandängar. Abandonment can lead to succession by shrubs and young forest, while overly intensive management can reduce natural salinity gradients. Restoration often involves reestablishing hydrological conditions and reintroducing grazing or mowing.

Conservation: Many strandängar are protected as nature reserves and are included in national and EU Natura 2000 networks. They are regarded as a valuable component of coastal biodiversity and cultural landscape in regional conservation planning.