Our Director of Operations, Jo Bradley, was lucky enough to join some of her friends and industry colleagues on a tour of the SuDS (sustainable drainage schemes) in Bristol in the sunshine recently.
They all visited the floating wetlands in Bristol Harbour to see for themselves what a fabulous habitat for wildlife they have created. Floating wetlands are planted on a floating structure and the roots penetrate deep into the water of the harbour. The roots capture some of the suspended solids in the stormwater runoff, and as the plants grow, they take up some of the nutrients too. These wetlands are being used around the World to help to reduce pollution from stormwater, from sewage effluent and from storm sewage. Because they are installed in large, deep ponds they can deliver very effective treatment, with solids settling to the bottom of the pond, and the root growth delivering additional treatment.
The wetlands are perfect for wildlife too. Small fish can hide and feed amongst the root zone, and populations of micro-organisms develop on and around the roots. On the top, they can be planted with flowers, shrubs and even small trees in some locations. The wetland in Bristol has some ducks living on it, who enjoy being fed by passers-by. There is a goose there too, who is rather territorial and doesn’t like anyone to venture too closely to the wetland. We saw lots of butterflies and flying insects whilst we were there, enjoying all the flowering plants.
Wetlands like these would be welcome addition to many other harbours, lakes and canals across the UK
and they are an important part of the SuDS tool-box. Is there a body of water near your home that would benefit from a wetland like this one?
