The rise of wetland cities
Wetlands can thrive in unexpected places. In Bristol, new floating wetlands are bringing plants and wildlife to the city's iconic harbour, creating pockets of nature against what used to be a concrete backdrop. We've teamed up with Planet Wild to explore how wetlands, big and small, can become part of urban life, and to see some of the exciting work taking shape in Bristol.
Floating wetlands in the heart of Bristol
Bristol's historically industrial floating harbour might not be the first place you'd expect to find nature flourishing. Here, floating wetlands have turned concrete, built-up watersides into valuable habitats.
With support from the Planet Wild community, new floating wetlands have been planted with native wetland plants, creating space both above and below the water for wildlife to feed, shelter and thrive. And they're part of a much bigger ambition for wetlands across Bristol.
About Planet Wild
Planet Wild is a community that supports nature restoration around the world. Their community funded the floating wetland featured in the film, helping create a new habitat in the heart of Bristol's harbour.
Part of something bigger
The floating wetlands are one example of how we're bringing more wetlands into urban life. Through Wetland Cities, our five-year programme led in partnership with Aviva, we're working with communities and partners across Bristol to create and restore wetlands and help make the city more resilient and nature rich.
Bristol is where this journey sets sail. Beyond this, we are working to develop an approach that can inspire and support more towns and cities across the UK to make space for wetlands.
Aviva is the founding partner for the Wetland Cities programme, supporting an ambition to create climate-resilient, nature-rich communities.