Yesterday was World Wetland Day. It was also the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens – so I took the opportunity to link the two through the medium of the Thames Estuary, well known to Dickens and the setting of memorable scenes in Great Expectations.
The Thames is also a coastal wetland of global importance – just the place to celebrate on World Wetlands Day. February 2nd is also Groundhog Day – so that must explain why we keep revisiting the same nightmare of yet another airport proposal over and over again! (A recent poll in the Medway Towns gives Boris’ plans the bird, by the way).
Strumpshaw Fen RSPB reserve at sunset (Photo RSPB Images)
World Wetlands Day brought a flurry of activity highlighting the importance wetlands have in our lives. The Norfolk Broads, for me, was where I learnt to love wetlands, on holidays with my Mum and Dad in the 1960s – their future was the subject of a conference yesterday where we launched our Broads Futurescape project alongside a wide variety of partners who share our commitment to this special place where the endless sky frames reeds and sails, windmills and the tranquil water.
Up in Shropshire we were delighted to announce funding for wetland re-creation in amongst the meres and mosses including the wonderfully named Baggy Moor. Read more here in the Shropshire Star – and catch up on how we’ve been stepping up for Shropshire’s wetlands here.
But water in our landscapes is not all about the headline grabbing sites – ponds are wetlands too and their condition is too often a matter of concern as this report by Pond Conservation reveals.
Preventing their loss (and restoring them), improving their condition, building the partnerships for their future – these are real and vital steps that can make a difference.
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