Wet Grassland and Fen Habitats
Wet grassland habitats are generally low-lying areas and often floodplain grasslands with damp or waterlogged soils for much of the year. In spring, they will often have wet flushes and high ditch water tables and are of great importance for breeding waders such as Lapwing and Redshank. They also support a wide variety of other bird species, as well as grasses, wildflowers and insects. These habitats are important for biodiversity, flood control and grazing livestock.
Fens are peat-forming wetlands fed by groundwater that is rich in minerals. The habitat is comprised of reeds, sedges, mosses and rare plants adapted to constantly wet conditions. They provide valuable habitats for birds such as Snipe and Curlew, as well as for amphibians and insects. Fen habitats also help to store carbon and filter water.
