Wetlands for Water - The Irish Wetlands

Functional wetlands are among our most productive environments and provide us with a vast array of eco-system services. Wetlands support biodiversity; 40% of all species live or breed in wetlands; Wetlands store 30% of land – based carbon; vital for climate change mitigation; Wetlands remove pollutants from circulation; Wetlands provide protection from flooding and storms; Wetlands absorb and store water; Wetlands provide employment, food and energy and Wetlands are places for recreation, culture and leisure.

The vast amount of wetlands occur on farmland and so we must manage these correctly. Farmers should identify such areas on the farm and avoid any drainage that may affect them. Maintain buffer zones adjacent to wetlands from nutrients and pesticides and keep grazing to a sustainable level. Some may need fencing off to protect them while other wetlands need active appropriate management such as controlling invasive species or letting light into neglected ponds. Farmers play a key role in this conservation and “wise use of wetlands” so that these unique areas exist and continue to be enjoyed by future generations.