Why Add a Wetland Space to Your Garden?

January 31, 2025

In honour of World Wetlands Day, we’re discussing the advantages of having a wetland as part of your outdoor space. There are a huge number of ecological benefits of doing so, and it’s easier than you might think!

Wetlands are areas of land that are either seasonally or permanently covered in water. Home to an abundance of wildlife, wetlands are one of the world's most biodiverse habitats! They are vital to our planet's survival.

Wetlands are made of:

Water

Soil

Various plants that thrive in wet soil

Wetlands are all around us, these areas of land include:

Ponds

Rivers

Lakes

Fens

Marshland

Lagoons

Wet Grasslands

Wet Woodlands

Wetlands are home to a variety of wildlife including dragonflies, amphibians such as frogs and toads, invertebrates such as water beetles and pond snails, and various plants that thrive in wet conditions such as orchids, reeds and waterlilies. Trees including birch and poplar are regularly spotted around wetland areas too. Wetlands also act as stopovers and migration sites for various birds such as swallows, ospreys and more. Wetlands are great migration sites as they offer freshwater for the birds to drink for their travels and various organisms for them to feed on, giving them energy to continue the rest of their journey.

It’s not just wildlife that benefits from the presence of wetland areas; these lands are essential for protecting and promoting a healthy environment for us to live in.

Flood control: Wetlands act like sponges, with the ability to absorb large amounts of water, helping to reduce flooding in local areas due to heavy rain, whilst also helping to maintain river and lake water levels.

Climate regulation: By gradually taking in and releasing water, wetlands help to maintain healthy temperature and humidity levels in the surrounding area.

Carbon storage: Wetlands help to slow down the effects of climate change by storing a significant amount of carbon, with peatlands storing twice the amount of carbon as the world’s rainforests combined.
Health and wellbeing benefits: Spending time around water and nature can have a direct impact on our wellbeing, with 65% of people saying being near water improves their mental wellbeing. Exposure to natural landscapes, the sounds of free-flowing water and green spaces, are all known to boost serotonin levels (the happy hormone) as people feel more connected to themselves and the world around them.

Economic benefits: Wetlands also help to boost local economies, by encouraging tourists and those with hobbies that center around water to visit, such as fisherman, sailors and paddleboarders as well as nature lovers. Visiting local wetlands can be a wonderful family day out.

You might be surprised to learn that these natural wonders can also be created in your own back garden, bringing many benefits to you and to local wildlife.

Have you ever considered turning your outdoor space into your own mini – ecosystem?

Why add a wetland to your garden?

There are so many advantages to creating your own wetland area in your garden/ outdoor space. Not only are they easy to make, but they also offer several benefits all year round, including:

Water management: As previously mentioned, wetlands absorb vast amounts of rainwater and prevent flooding in surrounding areas; the same can be said for your garden, albeit on a much smaller scale, providing some protection from flooding during times of heavy rainfall.

Attracting wildlife: Building a wetland in your garden allows you to create your very own habitat and attract local wildlife and various pollinators, helping to support biodiversity in your local area. Just imagine watching birds arrive for a morning drink, and dragonflies scattered around in the summer.

Stylish aesthetic: A wetland in your garden can be a serene and peaceful space, great for relaxation and boosting your mental wellbeing. They can also be a great conversation starter with those who are not familiar with garden wetlands, creating an opportunity to encourage others to contribute to local biodiversity too.

Low maintenance: Once built your garden wetland requires little maintenance. The more plants that grow within or around your wetland, the more wildlife will appear. Once established, rainwater will be the primary method for filling and maintaining water levels. However, building a thriving wetland can take time so perseverance and patience is required when beginning your wetland journey!

Garden Wetland:

With patience, your wetland will develop into a thriving ecosystem that benefits your garden, your wellbeing and the environment. 🌿💧

Would you consider adding a wetland to your garden? For more information on how to create your wetland visit:

https://www.wwt.org.uk/discover-wetlands/gardening-for-wetlands

FAQs:

What are wetlands?
Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or is present near the surface during certain seasons or all year round. They include marshes, ponds, bogs, and fens.

What is a garden wetland?
A garden wetland is a small, man-made wetland designed to retain water, support aquatic plants, and provide a habitat for wildlife in a home garden.

Why are wetlands important?
Wetlands provide habitats for wildlife, improve water quality, store floodwaters, and help regulate the climate by absorbing carbon.

How do wetlands help control floods?
Wetlands act like natural sponges, absorbing excess water during heavy rains and slowly releasing it to prevent flooding.

What are the biggest threats to wetlands?
Pollution, climate change, urban development, and agriculture are major threats to wetlands.

Can wetlands be restored?
Yes, wetlands can be restored through projects that reintroduce native plants, remove invasive species, and restore natural water flow.

How do I create a garden wetland?
To create one, choose a low-lying area, dig a shallow depression, line it with clay or a pond liner if needed, add native wetland plants, and allow water to collect naturally or through rainwater.