Wetands

Aim: To learn about the wetland ecosystem.

What is a Wetland?

Any land consisting of marshes or swamps and land that is saturated with water.                                                                

4 different kinds of wetlands

1. Marsh - wetland that is dominated by plants.
2. Swamp - an area of low-lying, uncultivated ground where water collects.
3. Bog - an area of wet muddy ground is very soft.
4. Mire / fen - a stretch of swampy or boggy ground.

Common wetland plants in NZ

Name	Image	Purpose
EG: Swamp weed		Food for fish and birds Home for fish and birds Cleans the water
Bulrush		Bulrushes can be used for both medicinal and craft purposes as well.
Harakeke		They also used Harakeke as a medicinal plant to treat boils, burns, as an antiseptic for cuts and internally for diarrhoea. In early European days in New Zealand, the strong leaf fibre of the Harakeke Flax was used to produce rope and linen.
Raupo		The same as Bulrush. They can be used for both medicinal and craft purposes as well.
Toitoi		The Māori used the toetoe leaves to make baskets, kites, mats, wall linings and roof thatching. It was also used to make containers to cook food in hot springs. The flower stalks were also useful - as frames for kites, and in tukutuku panelling. The seed heads themselves were used on fresh wounds to stop bleeding.

Common animals, insects, birds you may find in a NZ wetland

Name	Image	Food
Duck		Bread Corn Seeds
Frog		Insects
Butterfly		Nectar Tree sap Pollen Rotten fruit
Grey Heron		Fish Insects Plants
Dragonfly		Smaller insects Plants Flowers
Fish		Smaller fish Algae