World Wetlands Day, celebrated every year on the 2nd of February, highlights the importance of wetlands for people and the planet. This year’s theme, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future” emphasises the critical role of restoring wetlands to tackle climate change, enhance biodiversity, and ensure clean water for all. Wetlands provide vital ecosystem services, from flood protection to carbon storage, and support countless species. By protecting and restoring these incredible habitats, we secure a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come.
What is a wetland?
A wetland is a land area that is saturated or flooded with water either permanently or seasonally. Wetlands can be classified as inland (e.g., marshes, rivers, and peatlands), coastal (e.g., salt marshes, estuaries, and coral reefs), or human-made (e.g., fishponds, Constructed Farm Wetlands and SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems).
Your local wetlands
This World Wetlands Day, we’re highlighting the vital role of wetlands in Essex and Suffolk. These extraordinary ecosystems support biodiversity, improve water quality, and act as natural flood defenses. Both our Essex River Hub and East Suffolk catchment partnerships boast internationally recognized Ramsar sites, vital for wildlife and people alike.
Essex is home to a stunning array of wetlands, including:
Abberton Reservoir – A haven for overwintering waterbirds.
Benfleet and Southend Marshes – Coastal marshes teeming with life.
Blackwater Estuary – Vast mudflats and saltmarshes attracting migratory birds.
Colne Estuary – Rich in biodiversity with unique plant and animal species.
Crouch and Roach Estuaries – Quiet estuarine habitats with with intertidal mudflats and saltmarsh
Dengie – Renowned for its saltmarsh and brent geese.
Foulness – A remote wetland supporting rare breeding birds.
Hamford Water – A coastal gem for seals and avian visitors.
In Suffolk, wetland Ramsar sites include:
Alde-Ore Estuary – Home to avocets and other iconic species.
Deben Estuary SSSI – Vital for waders and waterfowl.
Minsmere-Walberswick – A treasure trove of wildlife and famous reedbeds.
Redgrave and South Lopham Fens – A rare valley fen habitat.
Stour and Orwell Estuaries – Important feeding and roosting grounds for wintering birds.
How we are helping wetlands
We’re proud to be actively working on projects to protect and enhance some of these incredible wetland sites.
In Essex, we have been working on projects such as wetland creation at Fiddlers Hill Meadow and a fluvial audit and restoration plan for the rivers which flow into the Blackwater Estuary.
The East Suffolk Catchment Partnership has been working on a landscape-scale initiative, Recovering the Deben: From Source to Sea, which aims to restore the land, water, and nature throughout the River Deben catchment and estuary. As part of this initiative, nature-based solutions will be used to improve flood resilience in Debenham. This will involve creating flood storage areas capable of holding thousands of cubic metres of floodwater while also providing important ephemeral wetlands for the region.
Together with our catchment partners we’re helping to ensure these rivers and wetland habitats thrive for future generations. Our work to preserve these natural treasures helps ensure that wetlands continue to thrive, offering their invaluable benefits to both people and wildlife. Every action we take today builds a stronger legacy for tomorrow, so join us in celebrating and protecting wetlands for our common future.
Find out more
Explore our projects page to see the work we're doing in Essex and Suffolk
Learn about the the Convention on Wetlands
Celebrate World Wetlands Day
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