The wetland in Kolbäck has been granted funding through LONA, the local nature conservation initiative, where the municipality covers ten percent of the financing. The project is estimated to be completed in 2028. However, interest among Västmanland municipalities and landowners is lukewarm regarding wetlands, though the specific criteria or challenges causing this are unclear.
In contrast, Hallstahammar municipality has applied for money from the county administrative board for three wetland projects this year, which is the most of all municipalities in the county. According to a compilation from SLU, greenhouse gas emissions decreased by over 1,100 tons from the more than 200 hectares that were rewetted in Västmanland in 2024. The Nature Conservation Association has also seen results from the small wetland at 'Myr'n' in Kolbäck, in the form of increased biodiversity, though the specific species or indicators observed have not been detailed.
Hopefully we can start digging next year.
There are new wetland projects in Västmanland, including Vänsta, Kolbäck – wetland for water salamander; Myr'n, Kolbäck – rewet drained wetland; Sundängen, Västerås – restore an overgrown reed wetland; Skysta, Västerås – pond for nutrient capture; and Skämsta, Västerås – pond for nutrient capture. Duvhällarnas wetland in Hallstahammar is upcoming, with detailed plans or expected outcomes not yet specified. ' The total funding granted for the wetland project through LONA has not been disclosed.
They have seen even more birdlife at the site.