Scientific theory and practical applications of wetlands are evaluated, and information and experience is provided on experimental and empirical approaches tot he restoration of damaged wetland ecosystems with a view to developing firm ground rules for restoration policies and procedures.

Despite many wetland sites having suffered various forms of damage, there has been a recent recognition that, in some instances, it may be possible to rectify this through deliberate and controlled restoration programmes. Wetland restoration involves a variety of disciplines and interests, concerning groups who are interested in wetland utilization (such as farmers, foresters, peat extractors and water authorities), as well as those who wish to safeguard the site or its wildlife (such as conservationists, natural historians, ecologists and archaeologists). Interaction between these action groups is regulated by planners and politicians, and disagreements are frequently fuelled by an absence of reliable information. In these circumstances, wetland scientists have a responsibility to try to acquire and interpret relevant data in an informed, objective and impartial way. This volume reviews the current scientific knowledge of wetland restoration, identifying the problems and opportunities associated with it. Based on revised and edited contributions to the recent Restoration of Temperate Wetlands symposium, it provides a broad overview of current information and experience of wetland restoration. In some cases it highlights the lack of knowledge available and illustrates how difficult it can be to make informed decisions. With contributions from Scandinavia, Europe, Australia, the USA and Canada, outlining the latest research and observations from a range of international wetland scientists and practitioners, this book provides a critical review of current information and knowledge and gives insights into many aspects of wetland restoration, with a focused approach to the ecological principles that underpin it.