Wetland Area

The aim was to create an area of ground that remained permanently wet through out the year. This could then be planted with plant species that prefer having their feet wet.

The method used is similar to that for creating a pond. A hollow four metres by five metres was dug out using a J.C.B. A ridge of soil was left in the middle of this, so as to create two dish shaped semi- circular hollows. The area was then lined with carpet with polythene laid on top. In a pond a more substantial liner, such as butyl liner, would have been required as polythene degrades in sunlight. Since the hollows were going to be refilled with soil the polythene would not be exposed to sunlight. Once the soil had been replaced the hollows were left to fill with water.

In theory, if the water cannot drain out of the bog it will become stagnant and acidic and unsuitable for most wetland plants. This can be remedied by making a few small holes in the lowest point of the liner. In practice it is better to to see how the area develops before making any holes. There may already be sufficient leakage from the liner to keep the soil aerobic.

The area was dug and refilled in May and sown in November with the seed mixture listed below. The seed rate used was two grams per square meter. The area was thoroughly weeded prior to sowing.

Seed mixture used : P urple Loosestrife, Meadow Sweet, Fleabane, Ragged Robin, Water Avens, Yellow Flag Iris, Gipsy Wort, Meadow Buttercup, Devils Bit Scabious, Hemp Agrimony.

Plant Plugs used : Yellow Flag Iris

Update June 2002

At present only a few plants have germinated. The snakes head fritillaries, sown as bulbs, are the main success at present. A few of the seedlings coming through are hopefully from the seed mixture used. To compensate for the poor emergence plant plugs from desirable species will be added as these become available. These give a better guarantee of plant establishment.

The area has standing water in its lowest corner which suggests water is being prevented from escaping by the polythene. The top soil however dries out fairly quickly but how this affects how the wetland develops only time will tell.