Digging ponds in the countryside can deliver "unprecedented" gains for nature, experts have said.
Freshwater Habitats Trust said 20 clean water ponds on farmland increased wetland plant species by 26%.
A nine-year project found rare plants almost trebled, while species that had gone extinct in the area returned.
New investment approach announced to involve private sector in environmental projects, helping to tackle climate change and restore nature.
Four projects which will protect and restore valuable habitats have been selected to receive funding in a pilot scheme to encourage sustainable private sector investment in our natural environment.
Defra, the Environment Agency (EA), Esmée Fairbairn Foundation (EFF) and Triodos Bank UK have formed a collaboration to support environmental projects to create sustainable funding models.
The report is the result of the many successes of Borders environmental charity, Tweed Forum in addressing the threats posed by harmful invasive plant species throughout the River Tweed catchment and is a great example of best practice.
Water is crucial for the survival of all life and a diversity of species can be found in freshwater habitats. At the water’s edge, the boundaries between the terrestrial and aquatic worlds bleed gradually into each other, producing a range of microhabitats that semi-aquatic species such as frogs and birds inhabit. An even greater number of species occupy ponds dominated by water plants, or the rushing rapids of a river’s interior.
The consultancy will be working with Environment Agency to restore UK rivers and wetlands, and support natural flood management.
WATER CHALLENGES IMPACT THE WHOLE EUROPEAN SOCIETY
Every aspect of our lives depends on water and through the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Aichi Agreement and more recently the European Green Deal, countries strive to address water related issues. However, according to the 2019 UN Water Report, Europe still has work to do to achieve SDG6, providing clean water and sanitation for all. In fact, the more recent 2020 report underlines that European society is facing pressing challenges regarding both water quantity and quality.