Bristol has set its sights on becoming UK's first Wetland City - over 200 wetland projects are planned for Bristol, in the first part of an ambitious programme to help UK cities combat the impacts of climate breakdown.

With more than 100 miles of waterways in Bristol, and the Severn Estuary which is home to the world's second-largest tidal range, Bristol's historic relationship with water makes it uniquely placed to lead the UK's Wetland City movement.

An ambitious partnership between WWT, the wetland charity, and Aviva, the UK’s leading diversified insurer, is supporting Bristol on its journey to become the UK's first Wetland City.

By creating new, and restoring existing, wetlands and integrating these unique habitats into city infrastructure, Wetland Cities work with nature to make neighbourhoods more resilient to the impacts of extreme weather and climate breakdown.

The Wetland Cities programme will build on the work already being led by dedicated local community groups, to help wetlands thrive in Bristol. Together with support from Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority, WWT will enable over 200 different projects; ranging from restoring ponds in urban parks, rivers and brooks to create havens for wildlife and improve water quality, to creating new mini wetlands that capture and redirect rainwater to help reduce flooding.

WWT Chief Executive, Sarah Fowler, said:

"As the UK's wetland charity, we're constantly championing a future with wetlands at the core of city planning and decision making, and at the top of the local political agenda. So we're so thrilled to be working with partners and dedicated local community groups, to build on the incredible work already being done to unlock the value of wetlands in Bristol. Together we’ll be restoring formerly lost wetlands, and creating new ones, particularly in communities where they can provide the greatest benefits, to build the city’s resilience and, hopefully, provide a springboard for more cities to follow suit."

Claudine Blamey, Aviva's Chief Sustainability Officer, commented:

“Aviva sees firsthand the impact that extreme weather can have on customers and communities. We support practical, nature-based approaches to climate adaptation that can help create more resilient, nature-rich places for communities, so we can reduce risk as well as insure it.

"With WWT’s expertise and Bristol’s strong network of local partners and community organisations, Bristol is the ideal candidate for the UK’s first Wetland City. We hope this place-based approach paves the way for other towns and cities across the UK to become Wetland Cities, helping them get ready for the future.”

The Wetland Cities programme is being led by WWT, in partnership with Aviva as the principal funding partner.

The five-year programme aims for Bristol to become the UK's first Wetland City, working towards Ramsar accreditation.

There are currently 74 Ramsar-accredited Wetland Cities in 27 countries across the world, but currently none in the UK.

For more information, visit wwt.org.uk/wetland-cities