Wetland

Wetlands are permanently or intermittently wet areas that support a natural ecosystem of plants and animals adapted to wet conditions. Wetlands provide amenity and ecological value through diverse, self selecting and resilient species which are tolerant of drought and inundation, as well as promoting shade and providing habitat for wildlife. Both constructed and/or restored wetlands provide a very important role in the catchment by providing water quality treatment at the plant-soil-water interface, and by attenuating peak flows. Wetland planting density should be spaced to accommodate adequate root volume and coverage to suppress weed growth. The planting should also provide clear zones and unobstructed sight lines and view shafts, enhancing public safety. Deep Pool 0.5 - 1.5m Deep This zone includes plants that grow underwater but require light. They are important for the ponds health and assistance in improving water quality and clarity through the reduction of sediment movement through the water. They provide oxygenation and habitat for fish and insects as well as food for birds.

Deep Marsh 0.0 - 0.5m Deep The roots of emergent plants are submerged but foliage is partially above water. Emergent wetland vegetation provides forage and refuge above and below the water line through the diverse microbial assemblages of the aerobic root zone environment as well as anaerobic sediment environments. These environments nutrient levels and water chemistry are determined by the water as opposed to the soil. The vegetation shall be planted in bands perpendicular to the flow ranging in heights from 1m to 0.2m below the water level in two zones; Deep Marsh Zone 0.5 - 1m Deep, Shallow Marsh Zone 0.2 - 0.5m Deep. Shallow Marsh/Margin 0.2m Deep - 0.2m Above Water Level The littoral zone is a nutrient rich, shallow, body of water, located next to the wetland or pond edge where sunlight can still reach rooted plants. This zone usually remains submerged in standing water but at times may dry out near the bankside edge. The vegetation at the wetted edge protects batter slopes from erosion caused by flooding and wet/dry cycles. It also intercepts gross sediments from entering the wetland via overland flow as well as remediating nitrogen and metals via influent groundwater. Riparian Zone 0.2m Above Water Level The terrestrial zone includes areas that are expected to be inundated during flood events and therefore comprise a wide variety of floodplain and escarpment vegetation. The terrestrial zones act as an additional physical buffer from climatic extremes as well as reducing the overland flow rate while still having the ability to maneuver and bend with the direction of water flow. Taller trees further up the escarpment provide shade for open water, shelter, food and habitat for roosting birds as well as prevention of erosion through root stabilisation