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Wetlands are already some of our most damaged habitats and are still disappearing at an alarming rate.  Eight of Surrey’s 63 SSSI sites are wetland areas and support a huge number of species including the rare and elusive otter, water voles, bats, water shrews, dragonflies and many water-loving plants.  Can you help us protect these vital habitats?

Development and excessive water extraction have caused huge problems.  Agricultural and industrial pollution reduce the water quality and invasive species such as the signal crayfish and mink have had a devastating effect on our native species causing a major threat to our river ecosystems.

Aside from being home to some amazing species of wildlife, wetland habitat provides us with crucial services like flood control and water storage.  Nationally, just 27% of waterbodies are functioning ecosystems.  Protecting and restoring wetland habitat is vital in helping us, and wildlife, adapt to the effects of climate change.  

Partnership work is key to protecting and restoring our wetlands and enables us to tackle these issues together so, in addition to managing our own wetland reserves, we work closely with landowners and other partners.  We will soon be setting up a non-native invasive species task force on the River Wey and as part of our ‘Love Your River’ campaign, we will be launching our River Warden Scheme which will train volunteers in surveying techniques and water quality testing.

We rely heavily on the generosity of our supporters to fund this vital work to help our wetland wildlife thrive and we really couldn’t do it without you.  

Thank you so much. - See more at: http://www.surreywildlifetrust.org/appeals/7#sthash.K4NteDW2.dpuf