What makes this habitat different?
Rivers, lakes, ponds and wet meadows are great places to see wildlife - not just birds, but fish, insects, plants, amphibians, reptiles, and if you are really lucky, mammals such as the otter and the water vole.
Reedbeds are made of large patches of reeds in shallow, fresh water.
They are especially good for many special kinds of bird like the rare, perfectly camouflaged brown heron: the bittern (listen for the 'booming' call of the male in summer).
Because most ground predators can't reach them they also make perfect spots for birds to land and take shelter.
Wetlands come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they can all support a vast array of wildlife.
People love them, too: they're often beautiful places to visit or go for a walk.