Water for Wildlife

The Otters And Rivers Project (OARP) was established in March 1999 but was re-launched in November 2002 as Water for Wildlife, to embrace a wider wetland work remit.

WfW was officially launched in the superb setting of the Headland Hotel in Newquay in November 2002. Over 100 guests attended the conference to hear speakers talking about a range of issues on the importance of water, wetlands and land use.

Despite a change in name, our key sponsors remain the same – a big thank you to Pennon Water Champions (South West Water and Viridor Waste), Cornwall Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency.

Water for Wildlife is a national initiative sponsored by Water UK and The Wildlife Trusts and at the local level by - Pennon Water Champions, Cornwall Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency.

The animals which most need help are the otter, water vole, water shrew and American mink. This year we are therefore concentrating on reedbed habitats.

What are wetlands?

Wetlands are still or running waters, permanent or ephemeral, fresh water, brackish or saline and natural or artificial. They include: ditches, streams, rivers, canals, puddles, pools, ponds, pits, lakes, reservoirs, bogs, marsh, mires, fen, swamps, reedbeds, wet heathland, wet grassland, wet woodland, saltmarsh and estuaries. Cornwall is blessed with a range of wetlands.

Why are wetlands important?

All our lives depend on a healthy water system. Wetlands are highly functional and their uses include: water storage; flood protection; shore stabilisation; purification; preserving archaeology; education; have aesthetic value, supporting tourism and the economy; provide products such as fish, harvests, woodland etc and most importantly provide fresh water. The many uses of fresh water include consumption, live stock, agriculture, industry, amenities, public health and fire fighting - as well as being vital to other wildlife.

Why are wetlands so threatened?

Wetlands are the most threatened habitat in the world. Freshwater plant and animal species die five times faster than those living on dry land! They are subject to a range of threats including abstraction and development. Fragmentation, recreational activities and invasive species, such as Japanese knotweed, threaten sensitive habitats. Non-management can also be a problem as wetlands dry out and become invaded scrub. Pollution is a key cause for concern and this could be the result of siltation, agriculture, industry, chemicals or atmospheric pollution. One of the biggest threats, however, is climate change.

What will WfW do for wetlands?

The aim of Water for Wildlife (WfW) is to protect and enhance our wetlands for the future. This includes identifying and surveying wetlands, providing advice to landowners and managers, carrying out a range of practical work such as habitat restoration or pond creation, conducting monitoring programmes. It also includes raising awareness of the state of our wetlands and their associated species - and what we can do to protect them. If you would like advice about wetlands or know a site you would like to see restored, or would be prepared to help us, please our Water for Wildlife Manager.

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