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What are wetlands?

An illustration of a wetland area

Wetlands are areas of the land that are covered by water for most of the time. They can form naturally or be man-made.

An illustration of a wetland area

Watch: Learn about different wetlands in the UK

Learn about the different bogs, fens and wetlands that are in and around the UK.

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Where are wetlands?

  • Wetlands are found on every continent apart from Antarctica.
  • The climate in the UK is perfect for wetlands.
A map of the UK showing its wetlands.
Figure caption,
A map of wetlands in the UK
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Types of wetlands

Different types of wetlands form in different ways, depending on where they are and how much water they have. Depending on their location, the water in wetlands can be saltwater, freshwater or brackish water - a mixture of the two.

There are four main types:

Bogs

Bog located in Glencoe, the Scottish Highlands.
Image caption,
Bogs can be found in Glencoe, the Scottish Highlands

Bogs form when standing water, such as lakes, slow-flowing rivers or areas under high rainfall fill up with dead plants and it becomes spongy, wet soil. Rainwater is the main source.

The soil doesn't have many nutrients needed for plant growth, so mosses and heaths are the most common plants. Bogs are home to butterflies and insects, who feed on the flowers of the plants in the bog.

Fens

Fens and the ruins of Brograve windmill near Horsey on the Norfolk Broads.
Image caption,
Fens near Horsey in the Norfolk Broads

Fens are in the lowlands of the UK that are always full of groundwater. As they are always waterlogged, plant material can't rot away and it builds up to form peat. Peat doesn't have many nutrients, so only certain plants, such as mosses or sedges can grow in it.

Bogs and fens are both waterlogged areas of land - bogs by rainfall and fens by groundwater.

Marshes

Marshes at the National Nature reserve, Leigh on Sea in Essex.
Image caption,
Marshes at the National Nature Reserve, Leigh on Sea in Essex

They form near rivers and along seacoasts. Often, they are found at river mouths, where the river meets the sea. The water in marshes can be either salty or fresh. Salt marshes can be found along coasts, particularly around estuaries.

Usually there are no trees, and grasses and reeds are typical for marshes. The areas are home to birds and small animals, such as newts, crabs and turtles.

Swamps

Swamp with reeds and a heron at Egleton water, Rutland
Image caption,
Swamp at Egleton water, Rutland

Swamps can have either salty or fresh water and form in an area that is flooded by a river. Saltwater swamps form near coastlines and there are freshwater swamps in the Scottish Uplands.

Swamps are rich in wildlife, and are home to animals such as fish, birds and frogs.

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Why are wetlands important?

Wetlands are incredibly important for many reasons:

  • They are home to a wide variety of plants and animals.
  • They filter and clear water.
  • They can slow down flooding and protect homes.
Image of a heron, otter, duck and frog in a wetland area
Image caption,
A variety of different animals and birds can be found in wetlands.
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Activities

Quiz: Type of wetlands

Quiz: Wetlands

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