Capturing Carbon
The Wyre Estuary contains the largest area of un-grazed saltmarshes in the North West. Saltmarshes act as 'carbon sinks' which soak up and sequester (store) lots of CO2 (a greenhouse gas linked to global warming) thereby helping to reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.
Natural Flood Defences
Not only do saltmarshes and mudflats sequester carbon, they also act as natural flood defences along the river banks (just as the sand dunes act as sea defences along the coastline). The saltmarshes and mudflats also help cut the impact of waves along the shore, thus reducing erosion.
The Pyramid of Life
The saltmarshes and mudflats support the pyramid of life in the River Wyre, providing food and shelter for thousands of creatures! They are a fragile ecosystem which needs to be protected from human activity.
Mud is important - it is rich in nutrients which come from decaying marine algae (also known as phytoplankton).
The perfect mixture of salt and fresh water in the estuary is great for growing seagrasses and rushes. These plants are home to worms, snails, and shrimps - all of which are a rich source of food for fish and wading birds like curlews and oystercatchers!
Birds to keep an eye out for:
Winter: Shelduck, Lapwing, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank
Spring and Autumn: Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Turnstone
Click here for more information about bird-watching in Wyre!
There are lots of different creatures that live in the River Wyre. Download and print out the 'Wyre Creatures' colouring-in sheet at home.
