National Garden Scheme

Promoting a wider understanding of the importance of wetlands in nature and in our gardens.

Wetlands are the most biodiverse habitat on earth, supporting 40% of all species while covering only 6% of the earth’s surface. Although commonly associated with large expanses of water such as lakes or marshes, wetlands can include any body of water like a river, a stream – or a simple garden pond.

Mini-wetlands can bring wildlife in to your garden, make your neighbourhood more diverse and even help reduce flooding. WWT’s Wetlands Can! campaign includes asking supporters to do their bit for their neighbourhood by building ponds or mini-wetlands in their back gardens or other local spaces, as well as signing a pledge to support wetlands.

Since January 2022, we have joined forces with the National Garden Scheme to encourage garden owners and visitors to appreciate the importance of wetlands to the health and biodiversity of our gardens and the wider landscape. In over half of the thousands of gardens that the National Garden Scheme opens, water forms a significant part of their design. Here is a selection of small wildlife ponds and features to water on a grander scale.

The partnership includes a dedicated hub on the National Garden Scheme website, sharing inspiring and thought-provoking content aimed at raising awareness of the importance of water and wetlands. We have also collaborated with the National Garden Scheme on two highly attended webinars, looking at the practical ways you can bring water into your garden, and how to protect your garden from water scarcity. WWT content has also featured in two editions of the National Garden Scheme’s annual Gardens and Health Booklet, promoting core campaigns and visitation to WWT sites.

We are continuing to work together inspiring people to take action for wetlands by championing water in gardens.