New research shows flood tolerant wetland crops could also support nature recovery

New research led by the RSPB and the University of Cambridge shows that farming wetland-adapted crops on wetter peat – known as paludiculture – can support bird communities richer and more diverse than those found on drained grassland.

Lowland peatlands, such as the East Anglian Fens and Somerset Levels, are rich in carbon and have been prized for their ability to support productive agriculture. Since the 1600s, some 90% of UK lowland peat has been drained to this end. It also contributes an estimated 4% to the UKs total greenhouse gas emissions. But, by using wetland-adapted crops and machinery, soil can be farmed in a wetter state, helping to reduce peatland emissions whilst remaining economically productive and potentially benefitting nature.

In a novel study, researchers surveyed bird communities in natural wetlands, paludiculture sites growing bulrush (Typha), and drained, grazed grasslands in the Netherlands. Bird numbers in paludiculture sites were three times higher than on drained grasslands and matched those of natural wetlands.

Wetland specialists – including Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting, and Sedge Warbler – were recorded alongside typical grassland species, creating a unique and diverse bird community. The paludiculture sites also contained several bird species of European or global conservation concern, namely Eurasian Oystercatcher (BoCC – Amber), Meadow Pipit (BoCC – Amber) and Eurasian Coot.

Although paludiculture does not replicate natural wetlands, the findings show it can function as an important habitat within wetland-grassland landscapes. This could provide more spaces for wetland specialist species if cutting and harvesting are timed to minimise disturbance during the breeding season.

Dr Joshua Copping, RSPB Conservation Scientist and co-lead author: “We know that paludiculture can reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with farming on peat, but our findings show its potential for wildlife too. Farmed wetlands support bird communities simply not found on drained grasslands. As the sector develops, paludiculture could help deliver a just transition for farmers who wish to continue farming while contributing to a nature-rich landscape.”

Dr Catherine Waite, University of Cambridge and co-lead author: “As pressures on land continue to grow, research like this provides vital insight into how different land management choices affect nature. This evidence is key to informing local and landscape level management decisions that balance environmental and human needs.”

Paludiculture could aid in the reduction of land use emissions from peatland thereby contributing to the Net Zero ambition. This approach offers a way to continue productive farming while providing climate and nature benefits, potentially serving as a viable alternative to full peatland restoration in some areas. Paludiculture could also support food and fibre production, delivering social and economic value alongside environmental gains.

Alice Groom, RSPB Head of Sustainable Land Use Policy: “To deliver nature recovery, reduce emissions, and support farm businesses, we must explore techniques like paludiculture. Drained peatlands are degrading fast, and we are running out of time to rely on current methods. Combined with wetland restoration, re-wetting peat through paludiculture offers a path to a more resilient farming future while tackling the climate and nature crises.”

Unlocking paludiculture’s potential will require investment, advisory support, and strong markets for wetland crops. A project led by the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) South West, in collaboration with the RSPB, is developing best practice for establishing and managing bulrush (Typha) crops, including trials at RSPB Greylake, Somerset. Funded by Natural England’s Paludiculture Exploration Fund, this project is also testing whether bulrush can help remove excess nutrients from surrounding farmland, to improve wetland condition.

Will Barnard, FWAG South West: “As an entirely new agricultural sector within the UK, paludiculture inevitably requires vision and external support.  If we can harness the boundless energy and innovation of the farming sector, it offers the rare opportunity to blend real commercial growth with lowering our environmental footprint and helping nature.”

With the right policy support, investment, and continued research, wetter farming could play a key role in creating nature-positive, climate-resilient landscapes while supporting communities and farmers through a just transition.