Blackslade Mire

The term “wetlands” is a description for a range of habitats whose ecology is determined to a greater or lesser extent by the overt presence of water. Certain types of wetlands lie mainly within lowland parts of the country where it is often possible to control water characteristics to maintain and even enhance its quality. Although wetlands can be wild, natural areas, they also often include extensive areas of land, which are used for low-key agricultural use, for example the Somerset Levels.

The UK supports a wide range of wetland types due to its maritime climate and very diverse geology. The climate within the UK varies considerably with substantial differences in rainfall between west and east and variations in day length and temperature between north and south. Calcareous and acid geology give rise to different types of wetland. UK wetlands therefore include habitats that are uniquely important within Europe and some also that occur only within specific parts of the UK.

Four freshwater wetland types have been identified as priority habitats under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. These are reedbeds, coastal and floodplain grazing marsh, fens, and lowland raised bogs. To view the action plans or summary information for these habitats, click below. Other priority habitats have wetland elements, including grasslands, lowland heathland (with wet heaths) and wet woodlands.