Linking fragmented habitats is one solution to the biodiversity crisis – and that’s what England’s newest nature reserve hopes to achieve.
Created this week, the Somerset Wetlands ‘Super’ Nature Reserve encompasses 6,140 hectares of saltmarsh, heath and wetland, where nationally significant populations of birds and insects live. The goal is to improve their connectivity and quality.
The project will bring together landowners as well as other local partners to improve streams, ditches, and other waterways that connect habitats.
“The creation of this very large national nature reserve is an important moment for nature recovery in England,” said Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England. “These wonderful places are needed now more than ever, as we face into the challenges of global warming, wildlife decline and reconnecting people with the natural world.”
The Somerset ‘super reserve’ is England’s second. The first was launched by the Dorset government in Purbeck in 2020.
Image: Georg Wietschorke
