What’s a catchment?
A catchment is an area of land from which rainfall drains into a particular river system. Catchments can include small streams, larger rivers, lakes and wetlands, and even water stored underground in aquifers. Eventually the water makes its way into the sea through our estuaries.
We can’t thrive without healthy catchments. They provide water for us to use and drink, produce food and uplift our wellbeing, providing habitats for a range of wildlife that are a joy to behold. Many people enjoy recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing and swimming. Healthy catchments can buffer the effects of extreme weather too, reducing the risks of flooding or drought.