Why are wetlands so important?

Wetlands are wonderful! Read on for a quick summary of why our wetlands are so important and why it is vital to protect them.

What are wetlands?

The term ‘wetlands’ covers many different types of areas and includes:

• Inland wetlands (such as marshes, lakes and swamps)
• Coastal wetlands (such as saltwater marshes and coral reefs)
• Human-made wetlands (such as fish ponds).

Nantwich Lake, Cheshire

Why do we need wetlands?

Much of our essential wildlife in the UK relies on wetlands to thrive and survive, yet our wetlands are shrinking. The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) state that 40% of the world’s plants and animals rely on wetlands but that in the UK we have lost 35% of our wetlands since 1970.

This is due to a number of environmental factors such as pollution, including from wastewater infiltrating wetland populations.

It is also due to climate change causing changes in temperature and rainfall levels, and threats to individual wildlife populations.

The reason it is so vital to protect these wonderful diverse areas, is not just because of the thriving flora and fauna, but also because they draw down carbon and store it. This means it can’t then go back into our atmosphere and contribute to climate change.

What can we do to protect them?

Some wildlife charities are protecting these habitats are specifically monitoring particular species found in wetland areas, to prevent their decline. Other charities are raising awareness of how important Wetlands are to our ecosystem.

Wetlands for health

Some organisations are using “Blue Prescribing” an initiative whereby those with mild mental health challenges are ‘prescribed’ to go outside, connect with wildlife and appreciate nature in order to feel better. This then raises vital awareness of how important all parts of nature are to our health and wellbeing.

By raising awareness of the importance of our wetlands and their essential part in our eco system, CPRE Cheshire hope that it inspires you to find your local wetland and appreciate its diverse landscape.

More information

To find out more about what the Cheshire Wildlife Trust are doing to restore the vital wetlands in Cheshire, please see this link Our work for rivers and wetlands | Cheshire Wildlife Trust

Definitions of wetlands:  What is the definition of wetlands? – The Environmental Literacy Council

Simple video for the whole family explaining what wetlands are (CBBC): World Wetlands Day: All you need to know about UK wetlands – BBC Newsround

You can read more about the work of the WWT regarding wetlands here: Threats to wetlands – WWT

Read more about “Blue Prescribing” by WWT here: Blue Prescribing – WWT