WOW

The Value of Working Wetlands (WOW) is a two-and-a-half-year project, working in England and France to develop sustainable wetland management. The goal of the WOW project is to deliver long-term, sustainable solutions in the management of wetlands, to ensure healthy wetland ecosystems, while supporting the rural economy and recognising the importance of food production.

On both sides of the channel our wetlands are becoming impoverished and fragmented and the wildlife they support is struggling to survive. This comes at a time when we are beginning to understand how vital wetlands will be in helping people and wildlife adapt to future climate changes. The project has a farmer-centred approach which aims to build resilience and sustainability into farm businesses. The focus will be on production to provide financial profitability, while safeguarding environmental resources such as soils, water and wildlife habitats.

The goal of the WOW project is to achieve a better understanding of the interaction between land, water and their managers in order to provide long-term and sustainable solutions in the management of wet meadows of plain.

The WOW project assessed the state-of-the-art as regards wetlands – which is an issue of concern for all coastal areas along the Channel – and carries out studies on how to combat invasive species and reduce the impact of insects. Common methodologies and monitoring protocols to measure the health of ecosystems will be derived from the studies. A toolkit designed for environmental and agricultural stakeholders will compile best practice as identified in France and in England.