Wetlands
Wetlands, the intermediate habitat between dry land and open
water, are important parts of the Scottish landscape. They slow
water flow from rain to river and thus are important in reducing
flood generation. They also filter water and remove sediment and
nutrients that would otherwise put pressure on our lochs and
rivers.
Wetland soils are often rich in organic material and the
accumulation of more peat, or partly rotten plants, locks up
significant amounts of greenhouse gases. Wetlands provide a living
environment for a huge range of species, such as oystercatchers,
otters and orchids.
Regulating wetlands
SEPA protects from significant damage those wetlands that derive
their water from groundwater and surface water. For example we
consider the impact on wetlands during our groundwater abstraction
licensing and engineering licensing. Activities that might
impact on wetland sites protected for nature conservation are
primarily dealt with by Scottish
Natural Heritage 
.
Influencing and partnership working
We created an easily usable way of naming the various major
types of wetlands in Scotland. The
wetland typology will help
applicants to provide the right level of information to planners
and regulators. We are using the wetland types to map wetlands
across Scotland.
Management of wetlands can be funded through our SEPA Restoration fund. Management of fens, a
particular kind of wetlands, is helped by the Fen
Management Handbook that we developed with a wide range of
UK partners.
Our planning advice directs impact away from wetlands where
appropriate. This may include developments on peatland that could
impact the water environment, or result in large volumes of
excavated peat.
We work together with industry and have written best practice
guidance that reduces environmental impact of hydropower and wind farms during the development
stage.
We also chair the Scottish Wetland Forum under the Scottish
Biodiversity Committee, which aims to provide a practical platform
for wetland protection.
A functional wetland typology for Scotland