The saltmarshes form a flat landscape that extends the full length of the island and occurs between the limits of the neap and spring tides. These areas are regularly inundated by seawater and are fully covered by spring tides. The lower salt marsh is characterised by dense stands of Puccinellia maritima, Salicornia spp. and patches of Spartina spp. Other flora include Plantago maritima, Armeria maritima, Triglochin maritima, Armeria maritima and Aster tripolium. On the North Bull Atriplex (Halimione) portulacoides is a common plant of the saltmarshes. The upper salt marsh is less frequently covered by tidal waters and consequently has a more diverse flora. Many of the lower saltmarsh species occur but the upper salt marsh is characterised by Juncus maritimus and Juncus gerardii and a wider range of flora including Glaux maritima, Triglochin palustris and Agrostis stolonifera.
Thousands of migratory and wintering birds roost on the seaward edge of the saltmarshes during high tide. Whilst these areas provide relative safety from human disturbances (except from canoeists and dogs walkers) the large numbers of birds present regularly attract predators such as peregrines, merlins and sparrowhawks. Post-breeding and autumn migratory flocks of linnets, goldfinches, meadow pipitsand skylarks are common in many parts of the saltmarsh and are easily viewed from the causeway. Rare long distance migrant species occur occasionally the most regular being the buff-breasted sandpiper from North America.
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