Thames Water has set out plans to develop land next to a sewage works in Aylesbury into a nature reserve and wetlands.
Work is due to begin in the spring to develop the 20,000 square meter site into areas of permanent standing water to encourage wading birds as well as store carbon.
The site will feature raised mounds for nesting and roosting birds and a wildflower meadow that can all be observed from a bird hide.
Thames has an AMP7 commitment to enhance biodiversity by 5 per cent at 253 of its sites that have biodiversity interest.
Project leader and ecologist Becky Elliott said: “Wetlands are important networks for migrating and breeding birds and for tackling the effects of climate change. We’re excited to create a new wetland at Aylesbury, which will become a thriving habitat for wildlife. We care about the communities within which we all live and work, and this is a fantastic example of Thames Water working together with local partners to benefit the communities we serve and help with nature’s recovery.”
Inland wetlands such as marshes, ponds, lakes, fens, rivers, floodplains and swamps can store carbon and prevent it from being released back into the atmosphere.
The project is part of broader plans by the company to improve habitats across its operational sites.
Preliminary work is underway with wildlife groups and stakeholders to create wetlands in Godalming next year. Other schemes include restoring wetlands in Newbury and creating habitats in Cirencester.