Mini-wetlands for nature

Every wetland, no matter how small, makes a difference

Creating mini wetlands, like ponds, rain gardens and drainpipe wetlands, gives nature a huge boost because freshwater wetlands support more life per square kilometre than any other type of habitat.

Smaller wetlands are often even more wildlife-rich, with ponds supporting two thirds of all wetland plants and animals found in Britain.

Mini-wetlands act as biodiversity ‘hot spots’ because they have a large variety of mini-habitats which support lots of different wildlife. They often contain areas of wet mud, shallow water, deep pools and different types of vegetation, all of which are vital homes to a huge range of species, including pond worms, diving beetles, dragonflies, water snails, frogs and newts.

As well as providing homes for a plethora of wildlife, mini-wetlands also provide drinking water, bathing areas and food for lots of other animals including birds, bats, bees, butterflies, and hedgehogs. They are also a key refuge in times of drought.

They can be important habitats for endangered species like great crested newts, European eels, natterjack toads, the Norfolk hawker dragonfly and the great silver water beetle.