Engineering works and wetlands in lowland areas generally drained by gravity

Britain’s wetlands provide habitats for many species of plant and animal life, some of them rare or endangered. Public interest in conservation leads to pressures to retain or improve existing wetlands, or to create new ones. This may create conflict with requirements for land drainage or river control although, in some cases such as in flood storage lagoons, interests may combine rather than conflict. This guide is the outcome of a CIRIA study into the issues that may arise and the possible solutions. It provides information and guidance on engineering aspects of accommodating the conservation or creation of wetlands within or adjacent to areas subject to river or land drainage improvements.