England to restore lost wetlands

Swan Goose at Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, Gloucestershire, EnglandSwathes of England’s lost or degraded wetlands will be restored to their boggy beginnings, thanks to 4million pound worth of funding from Natural England for almost 2000 hectares of wetland recovery projects over the next two years. As the Wetland Vision project celebrates its first anniversary, this new funding will benefit grazing marshes, raised bogs, reedbeds and fragile fenland across England.

Money is being given to conservation organisations including The Wildlife Trusts and RSPB, who will work with the Environment Agency and English Heritage to manage the careful process of re-wetting the land.

The restoration of watery habitats will help a multitude of wildlife including declining bird species such as snipe and redshank. Wetlands can also benefit the public by providing a natural water store to help prevent flooding.

Paul Wilkinson, Head of A Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “We are delighted that Natural England is backing up its commitment to supporting the delivery of the ambitious Wetland Vision with significant funds. The Wildlife Trusts are playing a major role in many of the projects supported by this. We believe it shows considerable recognition of our extensive local knowledge, and our experience of restoring, recreating and reconnecting wetland habitats to benefit people and wildlife, and helps us get closer to achieving our vision of A Living Landscape for the whole of the UK.”

Dr Helen Phillips, Chief Executive for Natural England: said: “It may be hard to imagine, but England was once a much wetter place than it is today. Around 90 per cent of the soft and squelchy bogs and marshes have been lost over the last 1000 years. Healthy wetlands are a unique and vital habitat for wildlife – but they also have less obvious benefits for people. Wetlands can work as a natural flood defence, filtering and cleaning the water. Peat bogs also lock up dangerous green house gas emissions which contribute to climate change.

“Since 2008 Natural England has allocated 6 million pound to conservation partners who are restoring these important landscapes. From Morecambe Bay to the East Anglian Fens, projects are underway across the country to put the squelch back into the countryside.”

Wetland projects to receive funding over the next two years include the East Anglian fens, Humberhead Levels, Midlands Meres and Mosses, Morecambe Bay Wetlands, the Somerset Levels and the River Till in Northumberland. In addition to the 4million pound from Natural England, partners will allocate additional funds for their individual projects. Over time these wetlands are expected to provide homes for spectacular and iconic species such as bittern and crane; white faced darter and large heath fritillary butterfly; water voles and eels; and rare plant communities of fens and raised bogs.