iWitness Assignments Ecosystems
Since November 2010, our dedicated team of photographers and videographers have been on assignment at 20 locations around the UK with a mission to produce the most stunning imagery that conveys the essential value of restoring our most important but often fragmented habitats, not just for the benefit of wildlife but for us all. Below are the 10 UK ecosystems that the iWitness Assignments will target. Click on each ecosystem to find out why its important and follow the links to learn more about the assignments and where they’ll take place. Or why not tell us what a particular ecosystem means to you.
More than just a heath
Heaths often serve as buffer zones, connecting people to their surroundings. They provide a home to a rich diversity of specialist wildlife and are important to local people for leisure activities and tourism.
More than just a peat bog
Peat bogs represent the UK's largest carbon sink helping to counter climate change. They hold vast quantities of water, which mitigates problems of flooding in nearby populated areas.
More than just a river
Rivers play a vital role in supplying water, drainage, soil formation and recreation. They hold internationally important fish stocks and harbour a rich variety of flora and fauna.
More than just a saltmarsh
Saltmarshes connect other habitats to form a healthy network that allows wildlife to prosper. They form a natural barrier between the land and sea and serve as an effective flood defence.
More than just a wetland
Wetlands play a vital role as a filter system, provide clean water, protect against flooding, contribute to the formation of soils and support a diverse range of wildlife species.
More than just an urban green space
Green space within our cities provides a place for relaxation and recreation. They form the green lung of our urban areas, help to mitigate flash flooding and sustain a range of wildlife.
Have your say - tell us what urban green spaces mean to you ›
More than just farmland
Farmland provides us with much of our food in the form of meat, vegetables and cereals. Networks of hedges, woodlands and rough ground provide important habitat and natural corridors for wildlife.
More than just some forest
Forests help tackle climate change, absorb carbon, provide recreational activities and are a source of timber. They also boost rural economies through job creation and tourism.
More than just some hills
Uplands trap and distribute water and are the source of most of our fresh water. They serve as a natural playground for recreation, provide spiritual well-being and are a refuge for rare wildlife.
More than just the sea
Seas and coasts provide a source of food and support jobs in the fishing industry and ecotourism. The UK boasts internationally important populations of seabirds and marine life.
Assignment Locations
