Constructed wetlands overview
Naturally occurring wetlands are a crucial and threatened habitat for wildlife. Wetlands can also be constructed to achieve a specific purpose. Constructed wetlands aim to use the processes seen in natural wetlands to deliver societal and environmental benefits.
The main benefits are:
- water quality improvements, including the treatment of water and removal of nutrients
- slowing and / or storing water (reducing flood risk and / or making more water available during dry weather)
Constructed wetlands also have the potential for secondary biodiversity benefits that can be maximised by sympathetic design.
Planning your wetland and regulations you should be aware of
Constructed wetlands must be designed and used for the correct purpose to achieve their expected results. Compliance with other relevant legislation and / or policies will need to be achieved.
Read more about planning your wetland and what permissions and regulations you should be aware of.
Does your constructed wetland require a permit?
Wetlands may be constructed for various purposes and each carries its own specific requirements.
Naturally occurring wetland habitats (including bogs, marshes, fens, ponds, lakes and rivers) are not covered by this advice.
Read more about constructed wetlands for water quality improvement
Read more about constructed wetlands for slowing and storing water
Read more about constructed wetlands for biodiversity and habitat creation