Fens have a peaty substrate and are fed by both rain and groundwater. They occur on slight slopes or at the edges of raised bogs, and have low to moderate nutrient and acidity levels. Fen vegetation includes tangle ferns, Macherina sedges, tall herbs, tussock grasses, or mānuka.

The expected natural range* of fens across Aotearoa is 230,183 hectares.

More info: Wetland Restoration Handbook

*area this ecosystem could occupy without the presence of people.