 A 50-year project to restore and repair England’s most damaged wetlands could see the return of otters, bitterns and other rare and threatened species, help to reduce flooding and secure the future of wetlands in an increasingly dry climate. Announcing a consultation on the project today on the eve of World Wetlands Day, English Nature, the Environment Agency and the RSPB are inviting others across England to join them in developing a vision to secure the future of wetlands and the wildlife they support.
The central message of the event is that the future for the UK’s rivers and wetlands is too important to leave to chance. Wetlands are one of the most important natural resources on Earth. They provide livelihoods for people, support a stunning variety of wildlife, and form part of a healthy and functional landscape. However, in England the past three centuries have seen devastating losses: fens have been drained, grazing marshes ploughed, reedbeds polluted, rivers straightened, and lowland bogs mined for their peat. Moreover, a changing climate sees the South East of England facing the consequences of the one of the driest winters on record: rivers are parched and water tables are at their lowest recorded levels in some areas. Wetland wildlife such as otters, water voles, lapwings and frogs are all facing an uncertain future.
English Nature, the Environment Agency and the RSPB are dedicated to developing a new vision that will build commitment to restoring and re-creating wetlands. Wetlands are intrinsically linked to the lives of many local communities and land managers across England, which is why today, the three organisations are inviting others to help them develop the vision over the next eighteen months. The project will bring together a range of information about the potential for future wetlands and existing wetland projects, and present this using novel tools and mapping. By involving others in its development, the project partners hope to inspire and assist much more co-ordinated action towards wildlife goals.
Jim Knight, Minister for Rural Affairs, Landscape and Biodiversity, said:
"Our wetlands are a valuable part of the landscape, and it's clear that we need to take action now to save these precious habitats and the wildlife they support. This is a timely project that addresses the real problems that real people are facing, and is a great step forward in our efforts to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010. I congratulate all the partner organisations for their efforts in bringing us to this point - it is a great example of how by working together we can achieve so much more. I call on everyone with an interest in protecting our wetlands and wildlife to have their say and contribute to this important consultation."
Graham Wynne, Chief Executive of the RSPB, said:
"Work so far has concentrated on developing the tools to do the job. Any vision is worthless if it lacks the means to deliver results. Our experience of creating wetlands in the Fens, such as the Hanson - RSPB Wetland Project, makes me certain that we can only succeed with the support of industry, planners and, crucially, people living close to the project. We are celebrating just such community involvement in today's announcement [see press release below] of the 2006 winner of the RSPB/CIWEM Living Wetlands Award. The Little Ouse Headwaters project has delivered benefits for wildlife and the landscape through the direct efforts to restore a wetland."
David King, Director of Water Management, Environment Agency, said:
"Wetland habitats can provide really useful benefits for people because they can help reduce flooding pressure, recharge underground water supplies, filter out pollution and buffer the extremes associated with climate change. In short, if we put wetlands back in the right places, the benefits for people and wildlife could be huge. A bold vision and bold action will help secure these benefits."
Mike Moser, Acting Chair of English Nature, added:
"This ambitious vision for wetlands in England will only work if we can succeed in bringing together all the interested parties from conservationists to major land owners to turn around the fortunes of these threatened habitats. The formation of Natural England in October will bring an important new strength and breadth of vision."
Source: The Environment Agency - February 2006.
Contact: Contact: shelley.frosdick@environment-agency.gov.uk
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