Organisations challenged to join together in 50-year vision to bring birds and rare species back to threatened sites

OTTERS, bitterns and other rare species could be encouraged to return if a 50-year project to restore and repair England's most damaged wetlands is successful, wildlife campaigners said yesterday.

English Nature, the Environment Agency and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds announced a consultation on the project which would also help to reduce flooding and secure the wetlands in an increasingly dry climate.

They are inviting other groups to join them in developing a vision to protect the wetlands and the wildlife they support.
A central message is that the future for the UK's rivers and wetlands is too important to leave to chance.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is playing an important role with determined efforts being made to protect the natural habitat of many rare species.

At Potteric Carr, near Doncaster, a huge site covering 500 acres has been dedicated to developing reed beds and open water and trust members have been rewarded with sightings of several pairs of bitterns wintering there.

The trust has also been working with landowners around the rivers Ouse, Swale and Ure to encourage otters.

In West Yorkshire schools and community groups have been encouraged to go out and look after the wetlands near the River Aire and Calder.

Examples of larger scale projects also include the Hull Headwaters Project in East Yorkshire. The trust is working with farmers and landowners to protect waterways through practical work, such as fencing streams, and changes in farming practice.

Wetlands are one of the most important natural resources on Earth, providing livelihoods, supporting a variety of wildlife and forming part of a healthy and functioning landscape.

But England has suffered devastating losses over the past three centuries.

Fens have been drained, grazing marshes ploughed, reedbeds polluted, rivers straightened and lowland bogs mined for their peat.

Changing climate leaves the South East of England facing the consequences of one of the driest winters on record.
Water tables are at their lowest recorded levels in some areas.
It means otters, water voles, lapwings and frogs are facing an uncertain future. English Nature, the Environment Agency and the RSPB said they are dedicated to developing a new vision that will build commitment to restoring and re-creating wetlands.

Jim Knight, Minister for Rural Affairs, Landscape and Biodiversity, said: "Our wetlands are a valuable part of the landscape, and it's clear that we need to take action now to save these precious habitats and the wildlife they support.''

David King, director of water management at the Environment Agency, said: "In short, if we put wetlands back in the right places, the benefits for people and wildlife could be huge. A bold vision and bold action will help secure these benefits."