Happy World Wetlands Day!
Published: 02/02/2026
Today is #WorldWetlandsDay – a time where communities all over the world come together to celebrate one of the most awe-inspiring habitats on the planet.
Amazingly diverse, a “wetland habitat” covers everything from rivers and lakes through to seas and oceans – but also includes much smaller or less obvious habitats such as ditches, garden ponds, saltmarshes and wet woodlands.
The Parks Trust itself cares for parkland along two rivers, a canal, plenty of brooks and streams, around 20 large lakes and more than 300 ponds! To add to that, did you know there are approximately 116,000 gardens and balconies found across the city of Milton Keynes?! It’s amazing to think how many of these will have their own mini wetlands in the form of small ponds or other water features too.
A wetland is defined as somewhere that is inundated with water for much of the year and these can be natural or made by humans. Around 40% of the world's species can be found in wetlands, making them vitally important in supporting the plants (flora), animals (fauna) and mushrooms (fungi) that live in them and rely on them.
Long, winding watercourses like rivers, streams and canals are also what are known as “wildlife corridors”, allowing plants and animals to move along them - animals will even use them to “navigate” (find their way) – just as humans use maps, plenty of creatures know how to find their homes, or the best feeding or breeding areas by using these corridors.
That's why we're delighted to embark on an exciting project which will be focused entirely along one of the most important wetlands in Milton Keynes: the River Great Ouse Valley. Running along the north of the city, this area of parkland is already home to some beautiful habitats and incredible wildlife, and we will be spending the next two years shining a light on the area to work out how we can make it even better for wildlife and humans alike.
As part of the Wetland Arc Project we will be working with communities from across Milton Keynes, with thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Our project will be working out what is there – by using surveying and eyewitness accounts; what is missing – by asking residents about their experiences of the parks; and how we can make improvements – using our own wide-ranging experience as well as working with biodiversity experts to enhance the landscape.
Together we will create a vibrant and resilient wetland landscape where everyone belongs and nature thrives.
Feeling inspired? To get involved why not join us for our community tree planting session on Saturday 14th February; sign up to our newsletter to be kept updated on the project; and create your own mini wetlands at home by using our simple guide – you’ll be surprised at just how easy it can be!
In the past 100 years, we have lost a devastating 90% of our wetlands in the UK. Now covering just 3% of the country, let’s work together to protect and celebrate this vital habitat.
