Wetter Better
Wilder Doddington’s “Wetter Better” project is restoring ponds, wetlands and floodplains across the estate. By holding water in the landscape for longer, it creates valuable wildlife habitats while helping to slow downstream flows.
Natural Grazers
Doddington’s Lincoln Red cattle roam and graze around the new wetlands. Their grazing, trampling and movement help create varied vegetation, bare ground and habitats for wildlife.
Filmed from Above
Filmed using a DJI Mini 4 Pro, the aerial footage reveals the scale of the Wetter Better project. From above, the new ponds, winding waterways and surrounding landscape can be seen working together.
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Connecting Habitats
The wetlands hold water within the landscape for longer, supporting nearby woodland, grassland and floodplain habitats. This creates connected spaces where birds, amphibians, insects and mammals can feed and shelter.
Rough and Rugged
Rather than creating neat, ornamental ponds, excavators formed irregular edges, varied depths and uneven ground. This “Rough and Rugged” approach gives the wetlands a natural appearance while creating a greater variety of microhabitats.
Wetland Birdlife
The returning water has attracted ducks, geese and specialist wetland birds. Common Snipe, Jack Snipe, Reed Warblers and even a Water Rail chick have already been recorded around the new habitats.
A New Ecosystem
Wetland plants are beginning to establish around the ponds, providing shelter and food for insects and aquatic life. Dragonflies, including Common Darters, have already been seen laying eggs within the newly created waters.
