How wetlands help

The benefits of healthy wetlands are enormous, ranging from carbon storage to providing biodiverse places for people to enjoy. Here, we explore the four key areas in which these habitats make a difference, and share how creating networks of wetlands to address each of these areas will enable us to tackle problems we face today.

1. Combat climate change

According to Ramsar, wetlands are the most effective carbon sinks on the planet. Wetlands like coastal saltmarsh (such as those at WWT Steart Marshes) store more carbon more quickly than all the world’s forests combined, yet they’re currently undervalued. We’re looking at 22,000 hectares of coastal areas with potential for creating networks of saltmarsh to store carbon and help prevent flooding.

2. Clean water and increase biodiversity

Only 16% of English waterbodies are in good ecological condition. Wetlands act as filters, naturally help clean water in a sustainable way – this in turn helps bring life back to waterways and boosts biodiversity. Wetlands are our most biodiverse ecosystem, supporting over 40% of species despite covering just 6% of the Earth.

3. Reduce flood risk

Climate change is significantly increasing the severity of extreme rainfall events. In England alone, one in six homes – around 5.2 million households – are vulnerable to flooding. Healthy wetlands can provide a low-cost way of helping protect homes and businesses from flooding, acting as a buffer against storm surges and rising seas, and storing rain like a sponge before releasing it slowly.

4. Boost health and wellbeing

Poor mental health represents one of the UK’s biggest health challenges, accounting for 40% of GP appointments and affecting one in four people each year. It’s become increasingly clear that spending time in nature – particularly ‘blue spaces’ such as wetlands – is beneficial for wellbeing. Research by the Mental Health Foundation shows that 65% of people find being near water has a positive impact on their mental health.

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