Feckenham Wylde Moor: Credit Paul Meers
River and wetland management forms an important part of our work. Worcestershire has lost large areas of wetland due to drainage, over-abstraction of groundwater and the modification of our rivers. With the loss of floodplain meadows has come dramatic reductions in populations of birds like snipe, curlew, lapwing and redshank.
What is a wetland?
‘Wetland’ is the collective word for a range of water-dependent habitats from reedbed to open water; bog to mud; salt marsh to wet grassland and wet woodland to swamp. They usually have shallow standing water for at least part of the year.
Why not get out and about and visit some of our wetland nature reserves such as Upton Warren, Ipsley Alders, Feckenham Wylde Moor, and Broadway Gravel Pit?
Why are wetlands important?
Wetlands capture rainwater and release it slowly. This allows groundwater systems to recharge and stabilise water flows, reducing both drought and flood risks. Increased and often intensive drainage of land means that water rushes straight off it and into rivers, causing them to flood more heavily and frequently.
Wetlands can change rapidly according to how much water they receive. This means the number and variety of species that inhabit them can also change quickly; making them exciting places to visit. They support a rich biodiversity including everything from fish to damselflies and otters to birds.
Wetlands are not only great for supporting a range of existing wildlife; they’re also essential for helping wildlife adapt to future climate change. By ensuring the existence of a network of wetlands, we can help wildlife move through the countryside as changes occur.
What can we do for wetlands?
Populations of species such as otter, water vole, great crested newt and redshank have had their habitats destroyed, reduced in size and disconnected. Through our reserves and greater recognition from agri-environment schemes we are working to reconnect habitats.
We’re involved with a number of projects to help wetlands and their wildlife in the county. For more information click on the links below.
New wetlands at Hill Court Farm and Gwen Finch
Wetlands West and the Bow Brook Project
Upton Warren and the Bromsgrove Water Vole Project
Advice and how you can help us