Mini-wetland revolution could help wildlife beat the heat and boost urban biodiversity - Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
This summer, we are calling for everyone living in towns and cities to build their own tiny ponds, drainpipe wetlands and bog gardens in backyards and on balconies to help nature thrive in soaring temperatures and help reverse the UK’s devastating decline in biodiversity.
Wetlands support more life than any other habitat on earth, and mini-wetlands like ponds are often more nature-rich metre for metre than larger water bodies such as rivers and lakes (Wright et al., 1996; Biggs et al., 2005).
Ponds support two thirds of all wetland plants and animals found in Britain (Williams et al., 1997) and research has shown that these small wetlands in built-up areas can support similar levels of insect life to their rural counterparts (Hill et al. 2016). Blue spaces, no matter how small, could be key in helping combat the UK’s alarmingly low levels of biodiversity, particularly in urban areas.
New research, launched today (Tuesday 11 July), shows that people are keen to help, with over half of the population currently gardening to attract more wildlife. However, one in three of these nature-lovers are missing out on one of the single most effective ways to help nature because they feel they don't have enough space to create a small wetland like a pond.
Our new campaign is providing the answer, encouraging people to create tiny wetlands that can fit into any outside area no matter how small and often don’t need gardens. The charity is also encouraging people to get together with neighbours and community groups to create networks of mini-wetlands to help water-loving species move around.
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Posted On: 11/07/2023