The Wetland Vision is being launched today to restore ancient wetlands to the landscape.
From the wetland vision:
''Freshwater wetlands are among the most important natural resources on Earth. They store and filter water and help control and buffer the effects of flooding. They also give us food, fuel and plant fibre; they capture carbon from the air and lock it up and support a wealth of fascinating and uniquely adapted wildlife.
They form living landscapes giving enjoyment to millions of people, and contain a unique record of our past where the best-preserved archaeological remains exist.
Although wetlands were once common in the English landscape, a long history of drainage, development and pollution means only about 10% of the area present 1,000 years ago remains. Much of this loss has occurred since the Industrial Revolution with 100,000 hectares per year drained between 1840 and 1880 alone...
...The Wetland Vision looks forward 50 years to a future where freshwater wetlands full of wildlife are found across the urban and rural landscapes, and where they are valued by society for the services they provide.''
