The plant ecology of Miranda wetland: Restoration options

Abstract

Wetlands are increasingly recognised and valued. Communities are accepting the challenges of restoring these severely degraded ecosystems. This study discusses the problems and opportunities associated with restoring Miranda wetland, that forms part of the Firth of Thames, and is an internationally recognised wetland area.

A review of wetland restoration emphasises the unique characteristics and interacting factors operating in wetland ecosystems. Sound planning including specific objective setting and vegetation communities were surveyed for composition, distribution and structure. Basic environmental factors were measured monthly to form community type characteristics and assist in delineating habitat boundaries.

Impacts affecting native vegetation types are assessed and specific attention is given to the control of Carex divisa including tests on salinity tolerance to identify potential competitor species. Restoration options include revegetation, continued grazing, and returning the original hydrology.