Freshwater rewilding

4 Carbon credits: supporting land use change

4.1 The benefits of freshwater rewilding

As you have learned in the case studies of rivers, wetlands and peatlands, the range of benefits of rewilding are enormous.

Click on the images below to read more about each example.

Wilder nature. Explanation: rewilded freshwater systems supports a wide range of plant and animal species, increasing overall biodiversity. Mechanism: restoring natural populations brings back many natural processes and creates diverse habitats with varying water levels, flow velocities, and vegetation types. Water pooling behind rocks, deadwood in the river and leaky dams created by beavers all create a more dynamic environment where other wild species can return and thrive.
Flood mitigation. Explanation: natural floodplains and wetlands can absorb excess water, reducing the severity and frequency of floods. Mechanism: wetlands and floodplains act as natural sponges, absorbing and storing floodwaters, which reduces the volume and speed of water flowing downstream. This can reduce the frequency and severity of flash-floods, protecting lives and property downstream.
Recreational opportunities. Explanation: wilder freshwater systems offer opportunities for tourism and recreation, deepening people’s connections with nature. Mechanism: As freshwater ecosystems recover, the environment becomes more varied and wildlife are attracted back. Wilder rivers offer wonderful canoeing and kayaking experiences, while species from deer to kingfishers attract people wanting to see wilder nature. Riverside trails and wetland bridges allow visitors to explore the area on foot.
Sustainable fishing. Explanation: as water quality improves and fish populations recover, sustainable fishing opportunities can arise. Mechanism: resilient fish populations are able to tolerate a careful amount of fishing, that can provide a source of income to local people, either as a food product or by selling fishing licences to recreational anglers. Refer back to Module 4 for the opportunities and risks associated with tourism and local products.
Carbon sequestration. Explanation: restored rivers, wetlands and peatlands can capture and store significant amounts of carbon, helping to mitigate climate change. Mechanism: wetland vegetation and soils sequester carbon in the form of organic matter, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. In contrast, drained wetlands and peatlands are some of the highest emitters of greenhouse gases globally.
Preventing wildfires. Explanation: dried peatlands are highly vulnerable to wildfires, and the high carbon content of peatland landscapes means such fires release vast amounts of greenhouse gases. Mechanism: blocking drainage channels and re-profiling the peat reduces the flow of water and kick-starts the peat re-wetting process. Wet peat is far less susceptible to fire, reducing the severity and frequency of peatland fires.

Activity: The range of benefits of rewilding

Allow 5 minutes

Drag and drop each aspect of rewilding into the correct benefits box.