Balancing Wildlife, Community, and Water

Wetlands are unique ecosystems that offer an astonishing array of benefits—when they’re in balance and healthy. From cleaner water and reduced flood risk to incredible biodiversity and wellbeing gains, wetlands work hard for both people and planet.

In this post, we’ll explore how to get the best out of man-made wetlands by focusing on four essential outcomes: Water Quality, Water Quantity, Amenity, and Biodiversity—commonly known as the Four Pillars of SuDS.

Getting the Balance Right

Delivering a well-rounded mix of benefits in newly created wetlands takes thoughtful design. If one aspect is overly prioritised, others can suffer.

Take flood mitigation, for example. While deep, steep-sided basins with direct piped inflow are a cheap way to provide storage, they often exclude biodiversity, amenity, and water quality functions. The result? Functional but uninspiring landscapes with limited wider value.

Creating a Suitable Hydrological Catchment

All wetlands need a suitable hydrological catchment—this is usually a steady supply of clean water. In urban settings, that’s not always easy, but it’s definitely achievable.

Key considerations:

• Avoid high flows: These can erode channels and degrade water quality.

• Maintain year-round water levels: Support intended plant communities by calculating a full water balance—considering climate change, evaporation, and earlier SuDS features that may reduce runoff (e.g. green roofs, infiltration systems).

• Use groundwater or rainwater harvesting: Both can support wetlands through dry spells.

• Prevent polluted runoff: Design landscapes to minimise pollution. If unavoidable, keep polluting activities well away from sensitive habitats.

• Use a treatment train: Apply the CIRIA Simple Index Approach (SIA) to manage pollutants at source and along the flow path.

• Buffer zones: Surround wetlands with low-nutrient soils and native vegetation to protect water quality and support biodiversity.

Designing for Wildlife

Wetland habitats should fit their location. Consider the site’s geology, topography, water dynamics, and historic land use. Then, look beyond the site to connect with existing ecological networks. Well-connected wetlands can:

• Help species adapt to climate change

• Prevent habitat fragmentation

• Strengthen local biodiversity

Combine habitat types like marginal wetlands, scrapes, tussocky grassland, ephemeral wet meadows, and open water to maximise habitat diversity and connectivity.

The Water’s Edge

The drawdown zone—where water levels rise and fall—is one of the most biodiverse areas of any wetland. Just 1–2 cm of water can be teeming with life.

Design for rich wetland edges:

• Gently sloping margins (e.g. 1:20): Maximise areas exposed to changing water levels.

• Include hummocks and hollows: These microhabitats offer varied wetness levels and support more species.

• Preserve natural ground textures: Avoid over-compacting soil; rough ground encourages natural habitat development.

• Vary slope gradients and aspects: These influence vegetation, soil conditions, and microclimates, helping to shape biodiversity.

Community

Wetlands aren’t just for wildlife—they can bring huge health and wellbeing benefits to people too.

Design ideas for community-friendly wetlands:

• Create access: Walking paths, cycling routes, dipping platforms, and natural play trails all help connect people with water.

• Add interpretation and resting spots: Encourage learning and reflection around wetland areas.

• Protect key wildlife areas: Use screening or zoning to minimise disturbance to sensitive habitats.

• Integrate wetlands with civic spaces: Roofwater is some of the cleanest runoff—ideal for wetland features near schools, libraries, and community centres.

• Enable community stewardship: Include storage buildings for tools to support local maintenance and engagement projects.

Managing Water Quantity

You don’t have to compromise other benefits to manage flood risk. Instead, mimic natural processes:

• Start where rain falls: Use vegetation and permeable surfaces to reduce runoff from the outset.

• Use soft landscaping and source control: These small, local features can handle much of the water, reducing the burden downstream.

• Think like a floodplain: Low-flow channels, wetlands, and shallow overflow areas can safely store excess water during storms—and provide biodiversity and community benefits the rest of the year.

Final Thoughts

Wetlands are so much more than just flood storage —they’re living landscapes that offer layered benefits when designed thoughtfully. By balancing Water Quality, Water Quantity, Amenity, and Biodiversity, we can create resilient, beautiful places for both wildlife and communities to thrive.

Have a wetland project in mind?

We’d love to hear from you!