Fens can contain a staggering diversity of wildlife. The best fens can contain over 500 species of plants, nearly a third of all the plants native to the UK. The standing water and plant diversity attracts large numbers of insects such as water beetles and dragonflies. The cover and shelter provided by tall grasses and scrub draws in a number of bird species.
Many fens have disappeared as they have been drained to turn the land over to agriculture. In other situations, trees have taken over and formed wet woodlands and swamps. As an area where water collects, pollution can accumulate in the fen changing the structure of the vegetation.
Use the navigation bar on the left to explore other wetland habitats.