PM 22 - Naturalise artificial wetlands
- Code
- PM 22
- Measure
- Naturalise artificial wetlands
- Description
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Many wetlands have been created artificially and therefore no longer function as a natural wetland. Examples include ex-quarry lakes or wastewater treatment wetlands. Naturalising these through the creation of natural edges, variation in depth profiles and increased species diversity will help in providing greater habitat for wildlife across the county and improve the quality of existing wetlands.
- Wider environmental benefits
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Improving air quality Improving water quality Increasing flood risk management Reducing climate change impact Improving soil health Controlling invasive species
- Links to additional information and guidance
- Priority
- Freshwater habitats are expanded, restored and reconnected
- Priority description
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Herefordshire has greater than the national average density of ponds, as well as a diverse range of other freshwater habitats. These are vital places for wildlife and provide freshwater resilience to the landscape, which will be increasingly important as climate change impacts are experienced. it will also be important to ensure the ponds are kept in as natural a state as possible. With many ponds starting to be more actively gardened this can lead to an increase in introduced species and unnatural nutrient loads impacting the potential biodiversity and species that could depend on them. Expanding, restoring and reconnecting these habitats will be crucial to maintaining resilience and benefitting both species and people.