Preserving wetlands and habitats

Existing wetlands provide natural sites for surface water management and treatment and are therefore important assets for the future.

Photo by Environment Agency

The enhancement or creation of urban wetlands could further support this role in addition to providing improved or new space for leisure and biodiversity in the city. This would expand the potential for more urban run-off to flow into urban wetlands before being discharged to natural watercourses, thereby minimising the risk of damage and encouraging rehabilitation of the natural water resource.

Such solutions are relevant at both a city and neighbourhood scale and can be considered for single wetland sites or the wider drainage network.

Some other habitats also provide natural cleansing functions and can therefore support water networks. Shellfish habitats are one example of this. Where possible, retrofitting or designing pier or dock infrastructure to support shellfish should be considered to facilitate the cleaning of water. Creating shellfish habitat in coastal and estuarine environments is also feasible.

Photo by the Environment Agency

Eaves Brook linear park

In Lancashire, a project to regenerate the Eaves Brook Linear Park was led by a partnership including Preson City Council and Lancashire Wildlife Trust. The scheme enhanced the biodiversity of the habitats and the overall landscape of the brook, whilst also delivering wider benefits in terms of flood alleviation and water quality improvements. The scheme was made up of a series of small projects to target particular aspects and make funding and resources manageable.

Priority: encourage sustainable water use
Tags: water, cities and towns, neighbourhoods