Bristol plans five-year wetland restoration to curb flooding and aid wildlife

Bristol is aiming to become the UK’s first accredited “wetland city” through a five-year project to restore and create wetlands. The initiative is intended to support wildlife, give residents better access to nature and reduce flood risk by storing rainwater where it falls.

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust plans more than 200 projects, from household ponds and street rain gardens to river and floodplain restoration. The work began in September with floating wetlands at three harbour sites; insurer Aviva is providing £8.9m over five years. Bristol has about 100 miles of waterways, and the charity hopes the project will show how wetlands can bring environmental and economic benefits to other UK cities.