Wetland grasses

What the RSPB does for water and wetlands

Managing water is a priority due to the wildlife rivers and wetlands host. Wildlife is threatened by abstraction, development, pollution, drainage and climate change.

Managing water is a priority due to the wildlife rivers and wetlands host. Wildlife is threatened by abstraction, development, pollution, drainage and climate change.

In this section

Our work for water and wetland birds

We help wetland birds by making sure they have the right conditions of water available to them.

Ringed plover charadrius hiaticula, adult amongst razorshells. Side view. Titchwell beach, Norfolk

How wetlands have changed

We have a team working on water management across the UK dedicated to securing a better future for water and wetlands.

Redshank at Brownsea Island Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve, Dorset

The condition of our rivers and wetlands

There have been improvements in the quality of many habitats recently, but the situation for wildlife remains serious.

Ouse Washes RSPB reserve, general landscape, panoramic view

Water and wetlands in England

After decades of wetland habitat and species decline, the 21st century is seeing the start of a wetland revival.

Landscape view of Otmoor RSPB reserve, Oxfordshire, May 2011

Water and wetlands in Northern Ireland

Both people and wildlife rely on wetlands in NI. We're helping get the balance right for farmers and the natural world.

Belfast Lough, Northern Ireland

Water and wetlands in Wales

There have been catastrophic declines in wetland birds in Wales. We're working to reverse the loss of wetland habitats.

RSPB Lake Vyrnwy Nature Reserve, Llanwddyn, Oswestry, Shropshire, Wales. Views of the lake early morning from Eunant viewpoint.

Water and wetlands in Scotland

Water is a huge part of Scotland's landscape. We're using conservation to help protect and restore freshwater habitats.

Overview of site from north side, Loch of Kinnordy RSPB reserve, Scotland