WWT and the National Garden Scheme has announced a new partnership aimed at promoting a wider understanding of the importance of wetlands in nature and in our gardens.
Wetlands are the most biodiverse habitat on earth, supporting 40% of all species while covering only 6% of the earth’s surface. Although commonly associated with large expanses of water such as lakes or marshes, wetlands can include any body of water like a river, a stream – or a simple garden pond.
WWT is campaigning to increase the number of healthy wetlands across the UK by 100,000 hectares to help fight the climate, nature and wellbeing crisis. The Wetlands Can! campaign includes asking supporters to do their bit for their neighbourhood by building ponds or mini-wetlands in their back gardens or other local spaces, as well as sign a pledge to support wetlands.
Commenting on the partnership, Chief Operating Officer of WWT, Kevin Peberdy said: “Lots of our small wetlands have disappeared; 50% of ponds were lost in the UK in the twentieth century and we continue to lose more. As urbanisation has increased, our blue space has decreased and our wetland species are in trouble. But mini wetlands can help tempt wildlife back and make your neighbourhood more biodiverse. Not only that but building even just a simple pond can help reduce flooding: in towns and cities, rain washes off buildings and straight into the drains, which can overwhelm drainage netwoarks. Diverting your water into a wetland can make a difference if everyone does it. This is why we are so thrilled to be working in partnership with the National Garden Scheme to help encourage garden owners and visitors to appreciate the importance of wetlands to the health and biodiversity of our gardens and the wider landscape.”
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Posted On: 27/01/2022