Package
Overview
In terms
of area, aesthetics and biodiversity, wetland habitats are among the
most important and rare types of ecosystems present in the UK. Reedbed
wetlands have also been used to ‘scrub’ leachates from
landfills and mitigate acidity problems on former colliery and landfill
sites before water is returned to the river system. Brownfield sites
can offer a significant opportunity to create much needed new wetlands,
greatly enhancing the biodiversity and aesthetic value of these formerly
degraded sites. However, they are very complex habitats and can be
expensive to create and maintain. While there are a few examples of
successful wetlands being created on former brownfield sites such
as the former gravelworks at Great Linford and the London Wetland
Centre in Barnes, investigations as part of the SUBR:IM programme
suggest that many are not functioning as well as they should do.
The aim of this project, which runs until 2009, is to assess the ecological
status and functioning of a range of created wetland habitats on brownfield
sites in England with a view to evaluating the main factors responsible
for their success or failure. This would facilitate the development
of best practice for the successful design and management of engineered
wetlands on brownfield sites. This project will develop a conceptual
model to describe the main elements for a successful wetland and guiding
the formulation of advice on best practice.
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