Colleagues from across the Benefact Group volunteered at the WWT’s London Wetland Centre helping to maintain areas of the site and to learn more about why protecting them is so important.

Wetlands are areas of land covered in water, which form complex ecosystems. They are also incredibly important as they maintain the hydrological cycle, acting as both natural flood defence barriers and water purifiers. As climate change intensifies the frequency and impact of extreme weather events, wetlands are critical to absorbing heavy rainfall and protecting against drought, helping stabilise and protect the areas around them. However, they are under threat. In the UK alone we have lost 90% of our wetland habitats in the last 100 years¹ . Protecting these wetlands sites and indeed increasing their landmass is a key nature-based solution for protecting against climate change, boosting biodiversity, and improving human health.

Our role for the day at the London Wetland Centre was to clear overgrown areas behind the duck ponds and woodchip them to ensure they were safe and sightly for visitors. Teams from EdenTree and Lycetts got to work chopping, digging, carrying and raking to do our small part in helping maintain this important site. We also learnt more from the WWT team about the rich biodiversity of wetlands and more about the particular site in London. Despite making up only 3% of UK landmass wetlands are home to 10% of all our species, and their historic decline threatens endemic species². We heard of the fantastic conservation work our hosts David and his team were doing to help boost attendee numbers and educate people on bird wildlife. We also got to meet their Asian small- clawed otters, Honey and Todd, and learn more about otter behaviour and the revival of the species.

Aligning our volunteering activities with our engagement efforts deepens our commitment to the high environmental standards which we believe are integral for a healthy planet. Water stress is a key thematic priority at EdenTree. We are engaging with our holdings who have the highest impact on water stress and are pushing for best practice and increased ambition. For example, we have engaged extensively with the UK water utility sector over the past few years. In our engagement we have encouraged utilities to invest in nature-based solutions to support biodiversity and water quality – such as wetlands. United Utilities for instance recognise the importance of wetlands in treating wastewater and improving water quality and we have encouraged increased adoption of this approach both across the industry and with the regulator. Having the opportunity to visit the wetlands in person and see the passion the WWT team have for their conservation first-hand, has only furthered our conviction in the importance of protecting wetlands and using them more effectively to mitigate water stress and climate change.

Sources

1. biodiversity-challenge-rbmp-2021.pdf (environment-agency.gov.uk)
2. biodiversity-challenge-rbmp-2021.pdf (environment-agency.gov.uk)