Environment

Wetlands - Poorly understood yet hugely important

A wetland is a distinct ecosystem that is flooded by water, either permanently or seasonally. The main way that wetlands are different from other landforms or water bodies is the type of aquatic plants that can adapt to the low levels of oxygen present in the saturated soils.

Wetlands provide a variety of habitats for native animals and play a vital role in nutrient recycling, filtering sediments and reducing the impact of floods.

Historically, these ecosystems were viewed as worthless and this misconception led to the destruction or significant alteration of many of Australia's wetlands. Over time however our understanding has shifted to see their true value and the benefits they provide.

History

Indigenous heritage - The original custodians

It is likely that First Nations people would have occupied the margins of the Warriewood Wetlands, on ground that was sufficiently elevated above the wetlands to provide a dry campsite.

The wetlands would have provided many food resources such as waterbirds, fish, eels and yabbies. Unfortunately, any occupation middens are unlikely to have survived the impact of intensive development in the Warriewood Valley.