The vital role of wetlands

World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on 2 February and provides an opportunity to highlight the crucial importance of these unique ecosystems. Wetlands encompass a diverse range of environments from marshes and swamps to bogs and meres and mosses. They are vitally important to communities around the world and provide a wealth of benefits to both people and the planet.

Why wetlands matter

• Biodiversity hotspots: Wetlands are incredibly rich in biodiversity, supporting a vast array of plant and animal life. They serve as vital habitats for numerous species, many of which are endangered.
• Water purification: Wetlands act as natural filters, purifying water by removing pollutants and improving water quality.
• Flood control: Wetlands play a crucial role in mitigating floods by absorbing excess water and reducing the impact of extreme weather events.
• Climate change mitigation: Wetlands are significant carbon sinks, absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to combat climate change.
• Food security: For many communities around the world wetlands provide essential resources for food production, including fish, shellfish, and rice.
• Recreation and tourism: They also offer opportunities for recreation and tourism, such as birdwatching, fishing, and kayaking, contributing to local economies.

Local action

The Council works with landowners across west Cheshire as the habitat delivery body for Natural England's great crested newt strategic licensing scheme, known as District Level Licensing (DLL).

Under DLL, developers pay a conservation payment, which is then used to create or restore new ponds in strategic areas within the borough. The ponds are secured, monitored, and managed for 25 years – all funded by the developers.

Since the scheme started in 2018, the Council has created over 170 ponds, including 15 in the last year. The Council’s Total Environment Team continue to monitor these, ensuring they remain healthy and thriving habitats.

Increasing the number of functional ponds within the borough helps to provide a more coherent ‘steppingstone’ mosaic of wetland habitat. The aim of the scheme is to improve great crested newt population numbers to prevent further decline. The ponds are also of benefit to a whole host of local wildlife and can help with flood management.

Cheshire and Warrington’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy has a goal to address the crises we face in the natural world, with an aim of the partnership to create a more resilient natural environment for the benefit of wildlife and people by maintaining, conserving, restoring and reconnecting wildlife-rich space. This includes wetlands in the area and you can read more about some of the projects taking place locally including at Delamere’s meres and mosses and plans for the Chester Wetland project. Read more on the Cheshire Local Nature Partnership website: Nature Based Solutions - Cheshire Local Nature Partnership

Supporting World Wetlands Day

• Learn more: Increase your knowledge about wetlands and their importance.
• Visit a wetland: Explore local wetlands, such as the RSPB Burton Mere Wetland to see some fantastic wildlife on your doorstep.
• Create a mini wetland in your garden: Even small actions can make a difference. Introducing a pond to your garden, however small, can create a valuable habitat for wildlife. You can find helpful tips and guidance on creating a pond in your garden on the Wildlife Trust’s website.