Wetland & pond restoration
What are the challenges?
The UK has lost 90% of its wetlands and farmland ponds over the last 100 years, leading to declines in species such as water voles and dragonflies, while exacerbating flooding and diminishing water quality.
Pollution from agriculture, and roads has resulted in sedimentation and excess nitrogen and phosphorus, causing water contamination and habitat degradation.
Why it matters:
Flood Mitigation – Wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing excess water and reducing flood risk.
Water Quality – They filter pollutants and excess nutrients, improving river and groundwater health.
Biodiversity Hotspots – Wetlands support some of the UK’s richest ecosystems, providing essential habitat for species like water voles and dragonflies.
Climate Resilience – Wetlands store carbon in their soils and vegetation, making them crucial for climate change mitigation.
Nature Based Solutions:
Rewet degraded areas to restore natural hydrology and ecological balance.
Restore grazing marsh to enhance flood resilience and create diverse wetland habitats.
Create new wetlands and ponds to boost biodiversity, water retention, and carbon sequestration.
When well managed and healthy, this habitat achieves the following:
Reversing Biodiversity Loss
Habitat for rare or endangered species
Air Quality
Water Quality
Flood Mitigation & Climate Change Resilience
Carbon Sequestration
Connecting People to Nature
Supports pollinators & food production
Statistics & Facts:
Wetlands in Kent, including The Swale and Medway Estuary, are internationally recognised RAMSAR sites, highlighting their global importance for conservation.
Key Species:
Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius) – One of the UK’s fastest-declining mammals, reliant on healthy wetland habitats.
Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus) – A protected species dependent on clean, well-managed ponds.
