Active Blanket Bog. in Wales

Transcription

1 Active Blanket Bog in Wales

2

3 Active Blanket Bog in Wales

4

5 Active Blanket Bog in Wales Contents Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Section 5 Section 6 Section 7 Section 8 Section 9 Section 10 Section 11 Section 12 Section 13 Section 14 Foreword Key Project Outcomes Introduction EU LIFE - Nature Programme Blanket Bog Habitat Threats to Blanket Bog Project Areas Project Objectives Restoring Active Blanket Bogs Budget Raising Awareness and Working with Communities Working with Children Working with the Farming Community Monitoring the Restoration Farming and Drains Ecosystem Goods and Services After LIFE Conclusions References Further information Acknowledgements

6 Active Blanket Bog in Wales Foreword Foreword Between 2006 and 2011 the LIFE Active Blanket Bog in Wales Project restored blanket bog habitats in areas of mid and north Wales. The project partners, led by the RSPB were proud to secure European funding through the EU LIFE-Nature programme and with partnership funding from the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), the Environment Agency (EA) and Forestry Commission Wales (FCW). The project has been a significant success, exceeding the original targets. The project restored significant areas of important habitats, developed skills and refined techniques that will be used elsewhere and gained the interest and support of the local community. 6

7 The restoration of degraded moorland was on a scale not seen before in Wales. Lake Vyrnwy in particular, created an exemplar that demonstrates how a reservoir catchment, providing drinking water for a major city, can also be managed as a nature conservation habitat of European importance and as farmland providing local employment and a quality organic product. Even more importantly, this water catchment has a major role in the absorption and release of greenhouse gases. The project was fortunate to have the opportunity to host the UK scientific partnership UKPopNet which used the Lake Vyrnwy estate as Europe s largest platform for research into the importance of moorlands in climate change science. Additional monitoring carried out by the project s own staff has also provided scientific results that have importance for future work. Through the advocacy work carried out by the project staff and the partner organisations, this area has been a focus for decision makers in Wales, in particular for those considering the importance of ecosystems services and the role of blanket bogs and water catchments in climate change. The project therefore restored significant areas of important habitats, developed skills and refined techniques that will be used elsewhere and gained the interest and support of the local community. The associated scientific work has added significantly to knowledge of moorland management and climate change science and will have lasting impact in years to come. The RSPB is proud to have led this partnership project. Katie-jo Luxton Director, RSPB Cymru 7

8 Key project outcomes Through excellent partnership working the project has exceeded many of the original targets. Practical blanket bog re-wetting Drain blocking 96.8 km blocked on 4,200 ha at Lake Vyrnwy. 176 km blocked on 227 ha at Penaran (FCW). 7.7 km blocked on 24 ha at Foel Boeth (FCW). 179 km blocked on 2,610 ha on 11 privately owned farms. Forestry plantation removal 24.6 ha cleared at Penaran (FCW) ha cleared at Foel Boeth (FCW). Invading non-native species removal 6,034 ha cleared at Lake Vyrnwy ha cleared at Penaran (FCW). 320 ha cleared on four further sites. Heather mowing to create fire breaks 272ha mown at Lake Vyrnwy. Community engagement 150 landowners talked to by project staff. 1,800 school children educated about blanket bogs. 2,500 people attended a guided walk or talk. Scientific monitoring after drain blocking Hydrology: Water tables recovered adjacent to drains. Across the wider bog, water tables were also more stable. During storms, peak discharge was lower and more water was held on the bog. During dry periods, water tables and discharge rates remained more stable. Water chemistry moved towards more peatland-typical levels, with ph and the amount of mineral ions both declining. Levels of discharge water colour declined. Organic Carbon Both production and release of dissolved (DOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) declined strongly - after blocking. Vegetation Specialist vegetation recovered, including the vital Sphagnum mosses. Condition of the vegetation improved adjacent to drains and across the wider bog. Sheep Before blocking stock losses in drains were 0.18 per km per year. After drain blocking, stock losses declined to 0.03 per km per year. Blocking drains has had no overall impact on the abundance of palatable grazing species for stock. 8

9

10

11 Active Blanket Bog in Wales Introduction Introduction Blanket bogs are one of the most important habitats found in Wales, if not globally. They are home to rare plants, invertebrates and birds, they provide much of our drinking water, underpin the rural economy, mainly through farming and in recent years their role as stores of carbon has been recognised. Blanket bogs form part of an upland mosaic that we need to protect and enhance for the benefit of all. Blanket bogs in Wales and across the world have suffered at the hand of man. In the past, activities such as drainage, burning and forestry planting have damaged the bogs. Only in recent years have we come to understand how valuable the habitat is in its intact state. Large areas of the Welsh uplands have been frequently burnt, drained and intensively grazed to such an extent that many of the natural habitats and species have been lost. In some areas, this has produced large monocultures of Eriophorum (Cottongrass) or Molinia (Purple Moor Grass) (e.g. on the Elenydd uplands in the Cambrian Mountains), which would need intensive management to restore the natural vegetation. The LIFE Active Blanket Bog in Wales Project was planned and managed by a partnership of environmental organisations, RSPB Cymru, CCW, EA Wales and FC Wales, with funding from the European Union under the EU-LIFE Nature Programme. The main aim was to significantly improve the state of the important blanket bog habitat across a large part of mid / north Wales. This was largely achieved through blocking drains and re-wetting land that the project partners either owned or managed. The RSPB, as a charity, has provided an excellent platform which statutory bodies have been able to use to meet EU Habitats Directive and Welsh Assembly Government Environment Strategy for Wales targets for blanket bog condition. There is a clear need to protect blanket bog habitats across Wales to ensure that future generations are able to appreciate their beauty and worth. This handbook provides details of the work of the project and summarises results of the monitoring and scientific work that have been published in specialised journals. It is a resource for land managers, statutory agencies and voluntary bodies continuing the work of habitat restoration and for policy makers who need to understand the importance of the Welsh uplands and their role in the economy and the environment of Wales. 11

12 Section 1 EU LIFE- Nature Programme LIFE is the European Union s financial instrument supporting environmental and nature conservation projects throughout the EU, as well as in some candidate, acceding and neighbouring countries. Since 1992, LIFE has co-financed over 3000 projects, contributing approximately 2 billion to the protection of the environment. The EU LIFE-Nature Programme provides funding to EU member states for the promotion of sustainable development and in developing positive management for key habitats and birds. In practice, LIFE-Nature must contribute to the implementation of the Birds * and Habitats Community Directives and, in particular, to the establishment of the European network of protected areas (NATURA 2000) aimed at the on-site management and conservation of the most vulnerable habitats and species of fauna and flora in the EU. LIFE has co-financed over 3000 projects, contributing approximately 2 billion to the protection of the environment *The European Union Directive on the conservation of wild birds (79/409/EEC) Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the Conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora 12

13

14 Section 2 Blanket Bog Habitat Peat is a waterlogged soil that is composed of compacted, partially decomposed vegetable matter. Blanket bogs are areas of wet peat-land on peat greater than 50cm depth, fed exclusively by rainwater, with little or no contribution from laterally moving mineral-rich soil waters. They are also one of the most extensive semi-natural habitats in the United Kingdom and are found from Devon in the south to Shetland in the north. Most blanket bog formation began between 5,000 and 6,000 years ago, though some may have begun as much as 9,000, or as recently as 1500 years ago Most blanket bog formation began between 5,000 and 6,000 years ago, though some may have begun as much as 9,000, or as recently as 1500 years ago. In parts of Europe, it is likely that blanket bogs were formed due to a combination of anthropogenic forest clearances and a wetter climate resulting in increased water logging and leaching of soils. This encouraged bog mosses to develop. The removal of trees would have further increased water logging, making the area less suitable for trees, and further encouraging the bog mosses. The increasing dominance of bog mosses and the resultant high water content of the soil would have reduced ph, slowed decomposition of organic matter, and encouraged peat to form. 14

15 Active Blanket Bog in Wales Blanket Bog Habitat Blanket bogs are defined as a peatland that is not confined by the surrounding topography. The conditions required for its formation allows blanket bog to develop across the landscape, rather than be limited to individual depressions or catchments. It is from this blanketing of the landscape that the habitat derives its name. Blanket bog that supports significant areas of peat-forming plants is referred to as active blanket bog, a priority habitat under the EU Habitats Directive. An active blanket bog on average increases the peat depth by 0.5-1mm per annum over deep peat and is dependent on a layer of peat forming vegetation and a high water table. In most peat bogs, Sphagna are responsible for laying down the majority of the accumulated peat (Daniels and Eddy 1985). Large areas of blanket bog and deep peat soils persist despite not actively forming peat, something that may have a significant bearing on their conservation management or restoration. Blanket bog is found in areas with a high rainfall and cool climate. Due to these climatic conditions required for its formation, it has a limited global distribution. In Europe, blanket bogs are found primarily in the UK and Ireland, the United Kingdom has around 13% of the world s blanket bog. In Wales, it is estimated that 70,000 ha of deep blanket peat soil occur, although probably in excess of 10% of this no longer supports blanket bog vegetation. Across the UK, only 18% of blanket bog is currently in a natural or near-natural condition. Of the remainder, 16% is eroded, 16% is afforested and 40% is modified (Littlewood et al. 2010). Lindsay (2010) suggests that the majority of UK peat bogs experience steady carbon loss as a result of human action but still have their protective acrotelm (the upper layer of a peat bog, in which organic matter decomposes aerobically). Blanket bogs are one of the habitats found on the moorlands that are distributed across the uplands of the United Kingdom. These moorlands are a significant part of our cultural heritage. They can be important repositories of archaeological and palaeoecological material and have provided places to live and work for thousands of years. This continues today as the uplands are, primarily, used for agriculture especially grazing sheep, and for sporting management and shooting. They are important as water catchments for the supply of drinking water and blanket bog has an important role in the context of climate change as stores of large amounts of carbon. 15

16 Section 3 Threats to Blanket Bog There is only limited information available on the scale of blanket bog loss in the UK, however, it has been estimated that between 1950 and 1980, 21% of blanket bogs in Scotland were lost, 51% of this loss was due to afforestation. On the Berwyn and South Clwyd Mountains Special Area of Conservation (SAC), moorland areas dominated by heather declined by 43% between 1946 and 1984, with afforestation accounting for 14% of this loss. Anthropogenic pressures on blanket bog can lead to extensive erosion of the peat body. Many of these pressures, in particular when linked with climate change, can be enhanced. Some of the major threats to blanket bog in the UK include: Drainage - Drains intercept and divert overland flow to remove water rapidly from the system. All drains affect the water table, causing changes in vegetation. Forestry - In the UK, 1.5 million hectares of deep peat has been afforested or cultivated (Natural England 2010). The resulting change in hydrology, plant 16

17 Active Blanket Bog in Wales Threats to Blanket Bog species composition, nutrient levels and trees seeding onto blanket bogs from adjacent plantations all have a significant impact. Inappropriate grazing levels - Large numbers of grazing animals (primarily sheep in the project areas) may result in the loss of key plant species. High numbers in the past have resulted from the system of paying subsidies per head of sheep. Low grazing levels, through payment of subsidy on an area basis, can also cause problems, as the vegetation grows tall and seedlings from adjacent conifer plantations are more likely to become established. Burning - Inappropriate burning (badly managed fires, frequent fires) can result in the loss of key plant species, breakdown of peat structure, or increased erosion. In the worst cases, prevention of revegetation by grazing and, to a degree, by air pollution, can result in bare and eroding peat. Encroachment by Rhododendron and Sitka spruce - The spread of Rhododendron ponticum and Picea sitchensis (two non-native and invasive plant species) from gardens, areas managed for game birds and from forestry plantations results in a change to the species composition, habitat structure, and hydrology. Pollution - Some areas, including the project SACs, are under threat from acid and nitrogen deposition. These pollutants may result in changes in the species composition, causing the decline in key plant species, or a reduction in their ability to cope with other stresses such as summer drought events. Peat Extraction - Both domestic peat cutting and commercial extraction of peat can have significant detrimental impacts upon peat bogs and can damage archaeological sites. There is evidence of historical peat cutting on both SACs (until the 1970s). Recreation Walkers on popular walking routes, all-terrain vehicles and mountain bikes can result in localised habitat loss through trampling and erosion. The LIFE Active blanket bog in Wales project was the last project funded in the UK through LIFE 17

18

19 Active Blanket Bog in Wales Threats to Blanket Bog Development - A wide range of developments and their associated infrastructure may result in direct or indirect loss of blanket bog habitat. These developments may include communication masts, wind farms, hydroelectric schemes and roads. Agricultural improvement - Historically, the conversion of blanket bog to pasture through drainage, ploughing, reseeding with a rye grass mixture, liming and fertiliser application has resulted in direct losses of habitat. Today, further agricultural improvement within the project area is controlled by both national and international designations, SSSI & SAC/SPA respectively and outside by the Uncultivated Land Regulations (2002). Climate Change - Drier summers and stormier winters, predicted as a consequence of global climate change, may have a profound impact on blanket bogs through a lowering of the water table, drying of peat, and loss of peat forming plant species. Phytophthora species - Phytophthora ramorum and kerkoviae are fungus-like pathogens of plants that are causing extensive damage and mortality to trees and other plants, such as Rhododendron and bilberry, in parts of the United Kingdom. This situation is developing and the spread of these pathogens could have a detrimental impact on blanket bog plant species. 19

20 Section 4 Project Areas Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt SAC Berwyn and South Clwyd Mountains SAC These two SACs are the largest in Wales designated for blanket bog. Between them, they cover a total area of more than 47,000 hectares. The LIFE Active Blanket Bog in Wales Project worked on two Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), the Berwyn & South Clwyd Mountains SAC (27,221 ha) and the Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt SAC (19,968 ha). These two SACs are the largest in Wales designated for blanket bog. Between them, they cover a total area of more than 47,000 hectares. Of this area, 18,394 hectares is occupied by blanket bog. The two areas are also protected as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and also have Special Protection Area status. Much of the blanket bog vegetation on the Berwyn and South Clwyd Mountains, located to the east of Bala, is dominated by National Vegetation Classification (NVC) type M19 Calluna vulgaris Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire, with crowberry Empetrum nigrum and an often extensive hypnoid moss cover. Within this community, cloudberry Rubus chamaemorus is found close to the southernmost limit of its British range. On deeper peats, there are smaller stands of M18 Erica tetralix Sphagnum papillosum mire, some of which exhibit distinctive surface patterning. The mire vegetation shows transitions to heather-dominated dwarfshrub heath on drier ground. 20

21 Active Blanket Bog in Wales Project Areas Crown Copyright. All rights reserved. RSPB licence Lake Vyrnwy Reserve The Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt mark the limits of a large upland block located along the eastern fringe of Snowdonia National Park. The area is particularly significant for the extent and quality of comparatively Sphagnum-rich M19 Calluna vulgaris Eriophorum vaginatum blanket mire. M18 Erica tetralix Sphagnum papillosum blanket mire is also widespread, with localised representation of the bog-moss Sphagnum magellanicum and, rarely, S. imbricatum ssp. affine. Other notable species found on the sites include lesser twayblade Listera cordata, tall bog-sedge Carex magellanica and few-flowered sedge C. pauciflora, here approaching the southern limit of its British distribution. Bird species found on these blanket bog dominated moors are also specialists, such as the red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scoticus), black grouse (Tetrao tetrix), hen harrier (Circus cyaneus), merlin (Falco columbarius), and golden plover (Pluvialis apricaria), 21

22 Section 5 Project Objectives The LIFE Active Blanket Bog in Wales Project began in The main objective for the 5-year project was to achieve significant and sustained improvement in the condition of blanket bogs in key areas of two SACs in northern Mid Wales. The practical work aimed to return the blanket bog to favourable condition as required by the EU Habitats Directive and the Welsh Assembly Government s Environment Strategy for Wales. A large area of blanket bog within these SACs benefited directly from the project work, which focussed primarily on extensive drain blocking and the removal of non-native plant species. The management of blanket bog within the two SACs was expected to improve as a consequence of the project, in particular through an increase in knowledge and understanding via the advisory work. The project was anticipated to make a major contribution to the conservation of blanket bogs in Wales, as well as across the United Kingdom, through increased communication with other peat restoration projects. The project achieved recognition and a high profile, reflected both in the number of people visiting the work areas and in invitations to make presentations about the work of the project in Wales, the UK and in Europe. The work of the project successfully promoted awareness and best practice in restoring and managing blanket bog habitat within the local 22

23 Active Blanket Bog in Wales Project Objectives farming communities. This was a key part of the project, as much of this work was new to Wales and there was a significant need to discuss its impacts with as wide an audience as possible. The original aims of the project included: Blocking around 90 km of drains on the Berwyn and South Clwyd Mountains SAC, primarily on the Severn Trent Water/RSPB Lake Vyrnwy Reserve. Tree removal on 300 ha of Forestry Commission Wales land on the Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt SAC. Removal of non-native invasive species, in particular Rhododendron & Sitka spruce from 900 ha of Berwyn and South Clwyd Mountains. Creation of fire control areas. Purchasing a piece of land on the Migneint-Arenig-Dduallt with good blanket bog habitat to conserve its fauna and flora. Extensive demonstration and advocacy work with local farmers and land managers. Extensive outreach with local communities, principally working with schools. Information sharing with similar projects in Wales and the UK. All aims of the project were completed successfully and the project partners were able to build on the success of their work. Through demonstrating how the restoration of blanket bog is carried out and allowing local farmers and landowners to see the work and understand its importance, it was possible to extend the work of the project. Project partners were able to make funds available to carry out additional restoration work on land where farmers and landowners had realised the benefits of the work and were keen to be involved. 23

24 Section 6 Restoring Active Blanket Bogs Blanket bog across the United Kingdom is very varied in plant species composition, hydrology and overall condition. In most situations where blanket bogs have been damaged, restoration is a realistic option and the best results for regaining peatland biodiversity will occur where the hydrology can be controlled over a wide area in order to achieve well functioning bogs (Littlewood et al., 2010). True restoration of a blanket bog can take many years. The work carried out by this type of project seeks to allow degraded blanket bog to recover, largely by returning it to a more natural hydrology. In 2008 and 2010, the LIFE Project blocked 176 km of forestry drains across 227 ha at Penaran and 7,690m across 24 ha at Foel Boeth. 24

25 In 2010/11, the success of the LIFE project allowed work to be extended to block 179 km of drains across 2,610 ha on 11 privately managed farms.

26 To fully restore an area of blanket bog it is necessary to look at all the issues affecting the site, principally burning, grazing and hydrology. Management interventions to restore the blanket bog habitat will have three main aims: To protect the underlying peat from erosion. To raise the water table to allow the native blanket bog plant species to thrive and continue forming peat. To provide appropriate grazing levels to encourage the growth of native plant species and discourage non-native invasions. The main issues to be addressed by the work of this LIFE project were areas of intense drainage systems and invasions of non-native plant species. Drains Within Wales, the main cause of peat erosion is the existence of drains that have been cut through the bog. Drainage was widespread in Wales between the 1940s and the mid 1980s, largely supported by government grants. This drainage has resulted in significant changes to the hydrology of the upland habitats. The extent of drainage has been detrimental to the characteristic vegetation and species of the uplands, as well as increasing the risk of soil erosion. Drains were originally intended to improve the uplands for agriculture; however on their own they did not lead to an increase in the growth of vegetation suitable for sheep and have had many negative impacts including the following: Loss of lambs and sheep, which fall into the deep, eroded drains and cannot escape. Loss of young birds, including grouse and waders, which fall into and cannot get out of the steep-sided drains. A decrease in the diversity of characteristic plant species associated with a variety of wet soil conditions. Possible localised flash flooding caused by greatly increased speed of run-off. An increase in erosion and destruction of the peat body resulting in the silting up of streams. An increase in the colour of water leaving the moor leading to impacts on drinking water and associated health issues, as well as significant costs to the water companies in purifying the water for drinking. The substrate is made more favourable to non-native species such as conifers and Rhododendron. 26

27 Active Blanket Bog in Wales Restoring Active Blanket Bogs The blocking of drains in the uplands has now become a recognised management technique to re-wet the habitat by restoring natural drainage patterns and, through long term regeneration of the blanket bog, reverse the negative effects of drainage. Drain blocking methods Across the UK, a variety of methods and materials have been used for drain blocking (Moors for the Future Report No and Armstrong et al. 2009). All the techniques create dams or block the entire drain in order to hold back the water and encourage silting-up with peat. The drains can then become rapidly colonised by Sphagnum moss and other plant species. A variety of materials can be used including peat, wood, stone, plastic and heather bales. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the site, catchment and peat conditions. Recent studies have shown that most drain blocking across the UK is carried out using peat dams. This method is the cheapest and works very well in most conditions. The LIFE Active Blanket Bog in Wales Project successfully used four methods to block drains within the two SACs: heather bale/peat dams; peat dams; complete blocking using heather bales and re-profiling. The use of heather is only possible where there are large areas of dry heath adjacent to blanket bog. Peat dams and/or re-profiling may be more practical in many areas. Specific methods used are completely dependent on the individual nature of each drain and drain location. The aim of each individual method is to raise the water table without causing damage to the bog. For each drain, the method of blocking may be influenced by: slope, orientation relative to slope and catchment, up-slope catchment area, size of drain, amount of water drain currently carries, possible peat-pipes 27

28 Method Heather bale dams 1 2 Where water has been running through the drains, the bottom will have been rounded out. Short section of drain (2 metres) needs to be reprofiled to create straight sides to enable a tight fitting, keyed-in dam. 3 4 The dam should be slightly higher than surrounding ground to prevent water spilling over the top. Heather bales are placed in bottom of drain, locking into the drain sides. Peat dams A layer of peat, taken from upstream of the dam, is placed on top and on the upstream side of the heather bales to form a sloping face. Vegetation is then placed on top of the dam to prevent the exposure and erosion of bare peat. A short drainage channel can be created to move overflowing water away from the drain. The sides of the drain behind the dam should be pushed-in slightly for stock safety. In most areas, in particular those with little or no heather, peat only dams can be used. The technique involves removing short strips of vegetation from either side of the drain. The underlying peat is then worked and raised to create the dam and is sloped to reduce stock becoming trapped. The vegetation is then placed on top of the dam to reduce the amount of bare peat. Full blocking For drains on a significant slope or on shallow peat, the drain may need to be fully blocked. At Lake Vyrnwy specific lengths of drain were in-filled with heather bales to act as sediment traps between dams. Re-profiling Deep drains with steep sides can also be reprofiled between dams by dropping the sides. The vegetation is peeled back between dams, then the underlying peat is worked to produce a shallower 28

29 Active Blanket Bog in Wales Restoring Active Blanket Bogs Before After gradient, approaching 45 o, and the vegetation is put back on top. This will reduce the risk to sheep and birds falling in, slow the water down and act as a sediment trap that will increase the ability of the dams to raise the water table. Short, shallow channels may need to be cut into the sides of drain, upstream of the dam. These will reduce the pressure on dams within a large drain and allow water to escape out of the confines of the channel onto the wider peat body. On shallow slopes and areas where the drain contours the slope, these channels may not be required as water will naturally overflow away from the drain. It is important the machine operator has a good understanding of the objectives. Whatever method is used, it is important that there is permanent water between each dam and that bare peat is kept to an absolute minimum. Between January 2007 and November 2010, the LIFE project blocked 96.8 km of drain across 4,200 ha of blanket bog at Lake Vyrnwy, exceeding the original project targets. 29

30 Other management considerations Blocking drains adjacent to in-bye pasture can provide damp pasture beneficial for breeding wading birds. Water run-off from drained moors may lead to flash flooding on the in-bye, which can be detrimental to ground-nesting birds, can lead to a temporary loss of grazing and cause erosion. Practical work should only take place outside the bird breeding and lambing seasons, to minimise disturbance, and only specialist machinery and competent contractors should be used. Use of machinery should minimise the amount of compaction and rutting of the peat, which would further increase run-off. Contractors should avoid driving up and down the slopes to reduce rutting that may develop into drainage channels. When creating the dams, whichever method is used, it is important to know how deep the peat is beneath the base of the drain. This is necessary to reduce the amount of mineral soil found within the dam, which can cause it to fail. A thin layer of clay is often found under the peat. It is vitally important that this layer remains intact. On steep slopes, it is important that pools behind the dam are kept to a minimum. This reduces the possibility that the pooled water will flow directly around the dam and back into the drain. Installing dams on slopes with shallow peat at the base of the drain may not hold back water as the seal with the underlying soil is unlikely to be water tight. Complete infilling of drains will be necessary on certain drains either by re-profiling or using heather bales, as dams may not be sufficient on their own. Techniques will continue to evolve but at the time of press, large areas of suitable drains are blocked using re-profiling in association with peat dams, both in Wales and across the UK. The LIFE Project removed 24.7 ha of plantation and 118 ha of scattered conifers at Penaran and 23.6 ha of plantation at Foel Boeth. 30

31 Active Blanket Bog in Wales Restoring Active Blanket Bogs Afforested blanket bog Large areas of the uplands were once regarded as being unproductive for farming. Because of this, landowners (in particular in the 1970s) received government grants and tax incentives to plant them with Sitka spruce (a non-native conifer species). Approximately 16% of the UK s blanket bog has been damaged or destroyed in this way. To create a suitable growing medium for these trees, the blanket bog was heavily drained and fertilisers were added to improve growth performance. In many cases, the land was not suitable for forestry, and resulted in a very poor timber crop. Infrastructure, especially roads, needed for commercial forestry has also caused damage to blanket bogs. 31

32 Forestry Removal Photo Diary The LIFE Project removed trees and blocked drains on two sites owned by Forestry Commission Wales in the Migneint-Arenig- 1 Before restoration, blanket bog vegetation was only found in narrow rides throughout the plantation. 2 A new track was created to remove the trees and block the drains. 3 Forest harvesters were used to cut down the trees. These machines have a low ground pressure and used a brash mat to protect the underlying peat. Dduallt SAC. The main drains and planting furrows were blocked on both sites. This is viewed as the best combined method to restore previously forested blanket bog (Lindsay, 2010), rather than focusing on just the main drains. This work 4 Trees that produced suitable timber were removed from site, however due to the wetness of the site, many of the trees were too small to produce an economic timber crop. 5 All brash was removed (as far as possible) from site. This brash was baled and used in a communityheating project. 6 As much non-native vegetation as possible was removed allowing native species to return. raised the water table at these sites which are now recovering, establishing natural blanket bog vegetation (e.g. Restoring Active Blanket Bog of European Importance in North Scotland LIFE00NAT/UK/7075). 7 After trees and brash removal, diggers were used to block the forest drains to re-wet the site to restore a natural hydrology. 8 Native breeds of pony and cattle are being used to graze the site, the first steps in establishing a longterm grazing system. The LIFE project removed 11,479 self-seeding trees from 6,034 ha at Lake Vyrnwy The removal of non-native trees and artificial drains allows Sphagnum mosses and cotton grass to recolonise. In time the bog will become active once more.

33 Active Blanket Bog in Wales Restoring Active Blanket Bogs Self-seeding Sitka spruce removal at Lake Vyrnwy - before and after Removal of non-native species In some areas of the Welsh uplands, non-native plants have become a significant problem to the ecology of blanket bog. Conifer seedlings (mainly Sitka spruce) and Rhododendron have spread out onto the open moors from neighbouring land. Where there is sufficient grazing pressure, seedlings growing on the open moors are unlikely to survive beyond their first couple of years. In recent years, the level of stock grazing in the Welsh uplands has significantly reduced, allowing, large numbers of self-seeded trees to establish. The balance between too much and too little grazing is vitally important for this habitat. Over the winters of 2008/09 and 2009/10, the project employed two teams on the Lake Vyrnwy estate to remove all self-seeded non-native trees from the blanket bog. Two species of plants were targeted by this work: Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis): were cut down below the bottom whirl, using handsaws or chainsaws, or hand pulled, then inserted into nearby drains to assist with the drain blocking work by acting as sediment traps. Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum): plants were removed from the site either by cutting, winching or digging to ensure all of the roots were removed, then taken off the SAC and burnt. All plants were checked for the presence of Phytophthora spp. before being removed. See pestsdiseases/phytophthora/ for updates. 33

34 Section 7 Budget A key success has been the value for public money that this project has achieved. Pooling resources from voluntary and statutory bodies in Wales allowed us to access significant additional EU LIFE funding, for delivery on both Welsh government and EU priority actions on internationally important sites. The outcomes delivered were significantly greater than the contribution any individual partner could have achieved acting alone. This is particularly pertinent where the project partnership has helped to deliver on statutory responsibilities on land owned or managed by government partners to several times the value contributed by the Welsh public purse. It has also facilitated capacity building in the voluntary sector which managed the staff, risks and liabilities of the project. The total budget for this project was 2.9 million (in 2006 this amounted to 3.76 million). This is a significant amount and emphasises the importance that blanket bog habitat is held within the European Commission. The contribution from the EU for this LIFE project was approximately 1.82 million. The partners shared the other funds, with the RSPB contributing 578,320, and the statutory agencies, CCW, EA and FCW, providing the remaining 512,000. In addition to the original contributors, Snowdonia National Park and National Trust provided funds for drain blocking on private land within the park boundary. The highest costs for the project were those involved in the practical restoration. Approximately 55% of the final costs were spent on the practical work. Of this, the project spent 1.3 million on drain blocking which varied per metre depending on the technique used. For example, peat dams cost between 1.30 and 2 per metre and heather bale dams cost 5.50 per metre in the final year of the project (the creation of the heather bales also allowed the project to mow firebreaks). At the time of press, re-profiling cost 1 per metre. The work carried out to remove selfseeding trees from the blanket bog varied dramatically in cost depending on the density and age of the trees. In areas where chainsaws were required to remove the majority of the trees, and the density was around 0.5 tree/m 2, the costs reached 1,000/ha. 34

35 Section 8 Raising Awareness and Working with Communities The website averaged 57 hits per week from March to September 2010 Taking the message about the importance of blanket bog and its restoration to the local community was a major part of the project. Heather moorland is a familiar part of the local landscape, but the blanket bog habitat, as part of this, is not easily recognised by the public. Its importance locally and globally is not widely understood. Without the backing and support of local communities, landscape restoration projects would not be completely successful. By running many events and creating a high level of community involvement, the project improved the general knowledge of this habitat throughout the project area and further across Wales. A variety of articles about the project were published in local, regional and Welsh national newspapers such as the Daily Post and the Western Mail and local magazines. The project was discussed on local radio and Welsh television and a film was produced that was made available on the project website. A bilingual leaflet was produced giving information about the project and newsletters for local farmers were produced and distributed locally. 35

36 Between October 2007 and February 2011, the LIFE project staff gave 45 talks to over 1,000 people 36

37 Active Blanket Bog in Wales Raising Awareness and Working with Communities The project hosted 63 guided walks with 750 people visiting the blanket bog The project website was also successful with frequent hits from people in the UK, Europe and across the world. This featured the video produced by the project, which was uploaded to You Tube and Vimeo. Project staff gave 45 talks to a wide range of local community groups (e.g. garden clubs, ornithological groups and the Women s Institute), and led 63 guided walks at Lake Vyrnwy and Penaran to show people the restoration work. To increase the influence of the project, staff also attended local and national shows. These included the Shrewsbury Flower Show, the Oswestry Show, the National Eisteddfod in Bala 2009, and the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show in Builth Wells in 2008, 2009 and In the final year of the project, International Bog Day was celebrated at Lake Vyrnwy with a family fun day that attracted over 500 people. 37

38 Section 9 Working with Children The LIFE Project gave an excellent opportunity for the RSPB s education staff at Lake Vyrnwy to take children to the moorland, an area which they had not visited before. Work with local schools was highly praised and an important achievement of the project. Through raising the profile of the work in the area, it encouraged interest amongst farming and landowning families, and ultimately the children who are likely to be the managers and guardians of this land in the future. One of the most successful aspects of the project was the involvement in the National Eisteddfod in Bala in August 2009, as part of the Countryside Council for Wales Natur ein Bro activity. The National Eisteddfod is the premier artistic event in Wales and one of Europe s largest and oldest cultural festivals. At first I didn t know where to start but over the past five years I have learnt so much and believe more children should have the opportunity to go up onto the moors and see it for themselves. Janet Evans, RSPB Lead Field Teacher. In preparation for the Eisteddfod, children from nine local primary schools visited the project area and wrote poetry based on what they had seen on their visit with the assistance of Mr Twm Morys, National Children s Poet of Wales at the time. The children performed their poetry in the Literature Tent at the National Eisteddfod (see and were featured on Welsh language television. The success of the childrens event raised the profile of the project s information stand during the week of the Eisteddfod and created additional local contacts for the project staff. Excellent visit. Makes you appreciate an apparently barren landscape and realise its diversity and importance. Andrew Everett, Baschurch CE School. 38

39 Active Blanket Bog in Wales Working with Children The project hosted 44 visits by schools with over 1,100 pupils visiting the site, and made 26 outreach visits to over 700 pupils. 39

40 Section 10 Working with the Farming Community Working with the local farming community was of particular importance to the project as this kind of practical upland restoration work was new to the area. There was initially a great deal of unease about the style of restoration work and what it could achieve. A key goal of the project was to discuss this with farmers and other land managers. All landowners, tenants and local Young Farmers Clubs within the two project SACs were invited to visit the project at Lake Vyrnwy. This allowed individuals to make up their own mind about the re-wetting and the impacts it may have on their properties. The response from the farming community, after visiting the project was largely positive. The graph shows the general response of farmers after invitations to visit the project. In addition to talking to individual land managers, the project staff also held a demonstration day at Lake Vyrnwy in conjunction with the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group Cymru (FWAG Cymru). The event attracted 98 attendees including farmers, representatives from the farming industry, NGOs, wildlife charities and governmental organisations. It provided an opportunity to see the drain blocking, view the machinery used Landowner/farmer responses to invitations to visit the LIFE project ay Lake Vyrnwy Interested in drain blocking Not interested in drain blocking Interest unknown Visited the project/farm visit Drain blocking carried out Berwyn SAC Migneint 40

41 Active Blanket Bog in Wales Working with the Farming Community and hear about the project and how it linked with the future of upland management in Wales. The day also generated several enquiries from farmers who were interested in blocking ditches on their own land. Alongside the demonstration day, a bilingual technical advisory leaflet was produced providing information on methods and advice on upland drain blocking. This leaflet proved to be an extremely useful tool when talking to land managers. Copies were available at all shows attended by the project team (such as the National Sheep Association and Royal Welsh Agricultural Show), community events and any land manager visit. The leaflets are now available from RSPB Cymru Advisory Officers and on the project website. The project hosted visits by scientists and policy makers from a number of different organisations. These included Welsh Assembly Government officials and the National Assembly for Wales Sustainability Committee, the Welsh Soils Policy Group and the Powys Peatland Network, as well as partner and stakeholder organisations. 41

42 Section 11 Monitoring the Restoration Although the potential benefits of peatland restoration are regularly quoted, there remains a considerable amount of uncertainty over whether and how quickly peatlands can recover, and how this affects the potential wider ecosystem services. Monitoring programmes were implemented to assess the success of the restoration work in delivering key benefits. The main questions were: Does hydrology of the site move towards a more natural system after restoration? Do water tables recover? Do discharge rates from the bog change, do flood responses change? Does water quality & colour improve? Is production & release of organic carbon reduced? Does blanket bog vegetation show signs of recovery after drain blocking or tree removal? What impact does restoration work have on livestock welfare and productivity? Drain blocking work at Lake Vyrnwy was timetabled so that each of 5 sub-catchments was re-wetted in separate years, while monitoring was carried out across the whole study site. This provided the very unusual and robust combination of an experimental research design at a landscape scale. Most monitoring was therefore carried out here, with some additional work at Penaran. The key outcomes from the monitoring are as follows (Wilson et al. 2010; 2011; submitted a; submitted b). 42 Water tables: 142 points in four sub-catchments were surveyed fortnightly. Drainage had created a dry zone adjacent to drains. Blocking drains allowed water tables to recover within this zone. Across the wider bog, water tables were also more stable, particularly during periods of little or no rainfall. Discharge rates: Flow gauges were installed in four drains and three streams, recording every 15 minutes. Generally, drain blocking reduced discharge rates from the system. During storms, peak discharge was lower and more water was held on the bog rather than released as flood run-off. During dry periods, discharge rates remained more stable once drains had been restored. Water quality: Samples were collected fortnightly from 48 locations in four sub-catchments. After blocking, water chemistry moved towards levels more typical of peatland, with ph and the amount of mineral ions both declining. Levels of water colour declined after blocking. Organic carbon: Calibration samples (100 locations, collected quarterly) were modelled against water colour and discharge to create estimated datasets. Both production and release of dissolved (DOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC) declined strongly during 18 months after drain blocking.

43 Active Blanket Bog in Wales Monitoring the Restoration Vegetation: Three surveys were carried out around Lake Vyrnwy covering 1500 quadrats in five sub-catchments and two surveys at Penaran covering 147 quadrats. Drainage had caused localised declines in the condition of vegetation near to drains. Drain blocking allowed specialist blanket bog vegetation to recover, including the vital Sphagnum mosses. Condition of the vegetation improved both adjacent to drains and across the wider bog showing the recovery of the habitat. The research carried out by this project provided robust and clear evidence of a wide range of benefits that are possible through drain blocking on peatlands. A restored hydrological system has the potential to deliver conditions that permit rapid recovery of specialist vegetation. This wetter system also significantly reduces the removal of organic matter from the moor, which may allow peat to be formed. Flood responses from the system were reduced, and water quality and colour improved; both of which have considerable implications for downstream flooding, water supplies and water treatment costs. We have also, for the first time, provided a case study of the impact of peatland restoration on hill farming and suggest that drain blocking has the potential to be beneficial to sheep farming (see Farming and Drains ). Many of the issues addressed by this project have not previously been the subject of any scientific study, and several scientific papers have been produced from this research, allowing the results and the benefits of such landscape scale studies, to be disseminated. 43

44 Section 12 Farming and Drains The peat uplands of Britain are some of the most extensively drained lands in Europe. The greatest level of drainage work took place shortly after the Second World War in response to pressure for domestic food security. At this time, there were government grants of up to 70% for drainage works, particularly in the agriculturally marginal upland areas. The drainage was aimed at lowering the water table to improve the grazing and thereby increase livestock production. The project area was one of those regions impacted by this management, including the blanket bog on the Lake Vyrnwy Estate. The practice of draining and maintaining these drains has been part of normal farming practice in the Welsh uplands for over sixty years. In consultation with the LIFE Project and its partners, the farming community raised four main concerns regarding drain blocking. These were losses in grazing, increases in stock losses, increases in the tick population and increases in liver fluke disease in sheep. In a novel case study, focussed research was carried out to address each point: Loss of Grazing (Wilson et al. 2011): Despite the initial aim of peatland drainage being to increase livestock production, there is little evidence that the drained moors can in fact sustain the large increases in stock that usually followed the drainage operations. Vegetation and sheep occurrence data were collected in 3 years from 1500 quadrats across 5 sub-catchments. 44 Prior to restoration work, sheep generally preferred undrained to drained areas, however restoration appears to have increased sheep use of areas around drains, probably as dams provide a greater number of drain crossing points. Drain blocking did not lead to any changes in grass abundance, even after nearly four years. In contrast, sedges increased and dwarf shrubs decreased marginally in areas directly adjacent to blocked drains. Thus drain blocking is unlikely to have altered the availability of grazing, but has increased stock access to wetter areas. Stock Losses: The impact of drains on stock varies between individual farms and, in some cases, individual drains. Some farmers felt that individual drains (or areas of drains) had a negative impact on stock and there was a high proportion of loss on some hefts. Other farmers thought that there could be an increase in the number of stock lost if the drains were blocked. This was due to an initial fear that by blocking drains, there would be a vast amount of standing water on the moor. Contractors recorded lamb and sheep carcasses in unblocked drains during the blocking process. Staff then surveyed 7.5km of blocked drain (over 700 pools) every year throughout the project and found no dead sheep in any pool (during the survey period, many of the pools filled in with Sphagnum spp.). One dead sheep was found in a drain between dams.

45

46 Thus, before blocking, stock losses in drains were 0.18 per km per year. After drain blocking, stock losses declined to 0.03 per km per year, with none occurring in pools (Wilson et. al., in preparation). Although water tables increased, the amount of standing water did not increase after drain blocking. The dams provide regular, safe crossing points for stock across the drains. Tick Population: Studies by The Game Conservancy Trust (see and Oxford University (Randolph, 2004) indicate that the tick population appears to be on the increase generally, and with a rise in numbers comes the threat of bacterial and viral diseases such as sheep louping ill. Ixodes ricinus is the most common sheep tick in the United Kingdom. Tick infestations also affect red grouse and wild bird populations. Tick infestations can lead to a wide variety of serious issues: Poor lambing or abortion. Fleece quality deterioration. Low ewe milk production, poorly finished lambs and poorly developed ewe lambs (which can lead to unsuccessful tupping). Higher mortality resulting in flock replacement costs, and The need for vaccination against diseases such as louping ill. 20 transects in two sub-catchments were walked twice yearly throughout the project, dragging a white blanket to allow collection and counting of ticks. Tick abundance was generally very low on the site, probably due partly to low stocking densities. Tick frequency was generally lower near drains than in undrained areas, and declined after drains were blocked (from 0.05 per km before blocking, to 0 per km after blocking) (Wilson et. al., in preparation). Liver Fluke Disease in Sheep: A further concern from local farmers was that blocking drains might increase the occurrence of liver fluke in stock. The liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, is a parasite, which requires an intermediate host in order to infect livestock. The intermediate host is the snail Lymnaea truncatula. Although the snail likes ephemeral or marginal wet sites, it also prefers a basic ph of soil and water. The ph of the drains at Lake Vyrnwy ranged from which is in the acidic range. 46

47 Active Blanket Bog in Wales Farming and Drains After drain blocking, 13 pools in 2 subcatchments (in drains and permanent bog pools) were drag netted to search for the snail Lymnaea truncatula. No snails were found, probably due both to the acidic conditions, and to the more stable wet conditions found on the bog (the snail prefers more variable conditions such as valley flood mires) (Wilson et. al., in preparation). This part of the project took an almost unprecedented approach in setting out to involve the local land managing stakeholders, establishing through extensive communication, the main issues of concern surrounding peatland restoration. The project then commenced research specifically designed to explore each issue to assess the likely impact of restoration work on the main local peatland land use sheep hill farming. Such a focussed study is novel in this field, but is utterly essential if restoration of peat habitats is to move beyond restricted and fragmented restoration projects. Although some aspects of the study were limited (due to low parasite abundances) we suggest that drain blocking on blanket bog will not incur a reduction in hill farming productivity, and may even be of some benefit. Farming in the future To ensure that blanket bog habitat is protected and, where possible restored, it is important to understand that each farm and site will be subject to different pressures. Over the past few years in Wales, agri-environment schemes have become an effective tool to encourage farmers to carry out practical restoration work on a number of habitats and features, however, they have not enabled blanket bog restoration. We hope that this can be included in the new agrienvironment scheme Glastir Targeted Element in At the time of press, it is understood that the scheme will include elements aimed at water quality and quantity, and carbon. The targeted element of the scheme may give a good opportunity for funding to carry out further blanket bog restoration work across Wales. The payment rate for such works and the technical advice available to farmers is likely to be crucial in determining take up for any prescriptions to restore blanket bog. Over the course of the project a significant shift in the perception of drain blocking as a management tool was noted. In the final year of the project, a number of landowners approached the project partners to discuss the possibility of drain blocking on their own land. This change in attitude enabled the project to block drains over a further 2,000 ha of blanket bog in some of the most important areas for this habitat in Wales. The work carried out by the project also increased the knowledge and understanding of this habitat across the local farming community. It is important that the impetus of this work is not lost. 47

48

49 Active Blanket Bog in Wales Farming and Drains Many of the farmers spoken to by project staff are interested in the drain blocking but they are unwilling to carry out the practice themselves. The overall cost and expertise required for this management are significant obstacles that Glastir may help to overcome. Upland farming in Wales is an essential part of the rural economy. To retain these vitally important habitats, stakeholders and relevant organisations need to work with farmers to ensure the maintenance and enhancement of active blanket bog. The following principles should guide future management of upland habitats in Wales: New drains should not be dug on any blanket bog. Wherever possible, all suitable drains should be blocked. Existing drains should not be cleared of vegetation and silt. Trees should not be planted on deep peat. Conifer plantations and self-seeding non-native species should be removed from all upland sites. Any new conifer plantations or replanting of conifers should contain a native broadleaf buffer zone to protect areas of blanket bog from encroachment by non-native species. Forestry plantations neighbouring SACs should implement a strategy to prevent seeding into the site. Following the polluter pays principle they should be liable for costs of clearing any plants that do invade the SAC. Rhododendron and Larch on all adjacent areas should be removed to protect upland vegetation from invasion and the spread of Phytophthora spp. Appropriate sheep grazing levels should be used to maintain or enhance typical blanket bog vegetation. Cattle and/or pony grazing should be used on suitable areas of upland mosaic. No fires should be lit on or close to areas of deep peat, or typical blanket bog vegetation. No new infrastructure should be allowed on active blanket bog or deep peat (e.g. tracks or windfarms). 49

50 Section 13 Ecosystem Goods and Services Both biodiversity and other ecosystem services the benefits that humans derive from ecosystems are increasingly threatened by human activities (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005). There is also now wide recognition of the importance to humans of services delivered by the peatland environment (Defra Ecosystem services of peat project SP0572, 2009). Restoration of blanket bog and associated habitats enhances the ecosystem services that they provide. These benefits are wide ranging and include: Improvements to water quality within the uplands and downstream. Reduction in water colour. Potential reduction in downstream flooding by levelling flow rates during storm events. Reduction in erosion resulting in the retention of substrate, vegetation and carbon. Carbon storage in the peat. Carbon sequestration (in the long term of carbon dioxide). Benefits to farming practice and stock safety. Access/Recreation e.g. walking and shooting. Archaeological resources humans have used these areas for thousands of years. Education. By maintaining and restoring upland areas, there can be a wide range of benefits. Re-wetting the land can return the hydrology of a degraded blanket bog to a more natural state. This provides improved conditions for blanket bog plant species. In addition to this, and alongside the work of the LIFE Active Blanket Bog Project, recent studies by a number of researchers and projects (e.g. United Utilities Sustainable Catchment Management Programme (SCaMP) Project*) have shown that drain blocking can improve water quality. The main benefit for water companies is the reduction in the colour of the water coming into their treatment works. Treatment to reduce this colour, which is increased through the erosion and desiccation of peat, can prove to be very costly for the water companies. There can therefore be implications for customers. Improvements to water quality can also have further positive impacts on the condition of rivers downstream. Perhaps less well understood is the true impact that peat bogs have on carbon storage and capture. The ECOSSE report in 2007 estimated that the total store of carbon in deep peat in Wales is MtC (million tonnes of carbon). This considerable store is at risk of degradation, with consequent release of carbon in water and carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, unless blanket bogs are restored to a more natural state. There has been some uncertainty about the impact of re-wetting blanket bogs on greenhouse gas 50

51 Active Blanket Bog in Wales Ecosystem Goods and Services exchange, in particular methane release vs. carbon dioxide uptake. Research, including that carried out at Lake Vyrnwy by the UK scientific partnership UKPopNet, has been ongoing to understand this gas balance. By blocking drains, this project, and others, have shown that the loss of carbon as Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) and Particulate Organic Carbon (POC) is significantly reduced, allowing the store to remain largely intact. Ongoing work into the true impact of drain blocking on the full range of potential carbon and greenhouse gas fluxes is continuing following the completion of this project, through the concerted activity of many organisations (e.g. Defra project: SP1202 Investigation of Peatland restoration (drain blocking) techniques to achieve best outcomes for methane and greenhouse gas emissions / balance. ). An agreement reached at Copenhagen (2010) will allow nations to include peatland restoration in their greenhouse gas accounting. In the future, this may allow blanket bog managers to gain financially from restoration and protection. This LIFE Project was set up solely to benefit the condition of the blanket bog habitat, but these beneficial impacts on other ecosystem goods and services are seen as additional outcomes that benefit the whole environment. Through continued restoration work across the project area, principally by re-wetting, the impact of these additional services may be greatly extended. This project has added significantly to our knowledge of this ecosystem and the way in which it responds to restoration. Through innovative partnerships, in particular with UKPopNet, the practical work carried out by project partners has added significantly to our knowledge of blanket bog habitats and their importance in the climate change story. * Between 2005 and 2010 UU and the RSPB worked in partnership to manage 20,000 ha of water catchment in the Forest of Bowland and the Peak District. The UK Population Biology Network was a NERC funded network of institutions that ran between 2004 and 2010 looking at how biodiversity change may affect ecosystems and livelihoods and how to mitigate those effects. A publication about UKPopNet findings will be produced in early

52 Section 14 After LIFE Like all projects of its type, the LIFE Active Blanket Bog in Wales Project had a limited lifespan. The changes caused by the work carried out will take place at a much slower rate, potentially taking decades, for the habitat to recover to a favourable condition. Even though the current project has ended, the work to protect and improve this habitat in Wales must continue. It is important to continue to monitor the impacts of the work carried out and maintain the dams when required. The practical work carried out by this project is also a good starting point to widen the restoration to other sites within the project areas and beyond. This future work is included in the management plans and forest design plans which the project partners use to manage their land. The project s After LIFE Conservation Plan is extensive and looks at a wide range of important issues. Even though the funding for this is not, in all cases, guaranteed, the plan aims to continue various actions: 52 Hydrological monitoring at Lake Vyrnwy. Vegetation monitoring at Lake Vyrnwy and Penaran. Monitoring of the dams installed at all sites to ensure that they remain intact and repairing any dams where necessary. This is focussed at high risk areas (i.e. steep slopes). Continuous monitoring, and removal, of any future self-seeding non-native plant species at Lake Vyrnwy, Penaran and Foel Boeth. Continuation of the advisory work with farmers and land managers, increasing the knowledge and understanding of this habitat. Influencing farmers and organisations to continue carrying out practical restoration on blanket bog in Wales. Continuation of the education work with local schools. It is also important to continue the community and advocacy work begun by the project. The RSPB Futurescapes project is looking to enhance the excellent start that the LIFE Project has begun in this part of Wales for the benefit of the environment, local economy and community. This, alongside ongoing work by all of the project partners and stakeholders within the project area can only help to enhance blanket bogs in Wales.

53 Active Blanket Bog in Wales EU Life - Nature Programme Conclusions The LIFE Active Blanket Bog in Wales Project was both challenging and extremely rewarding. It was funded and managed by a successful and committed partnership of organisations working together to demonstrate effective habitat restoration on a landscape scale. The final achievements of the project are far in excess of the original aims and objectives. In its five year lifespan the project delivered a large amount of practical restoration work for the benefit of one of Wales most important and dramatic habitats. The project was particularly effective in reaching out into the local community, stimulating interest and increasing significantly the understanding of the blanket bog amongst local people in these two Special Areas of Conservation. The project blocked km of drains, 357 km more than originally planned, re-wetting some 7,200 ha of uplands. The extension of the project to block drains on land owned and tenanted by other local farmers during the project demonstrated, in a very practical way, the success of the advisory work carried out. It also showed that the project partners were able to achieve excellent value for money by enabling the original funding to restore more habitat than originally planned. This land is now moving towards a natural hydrology allowing native plant species to thrive. In turn, the benefits that this work will have on water quality, carbon storage and capture, and the wider upland environment in the future may be vast. Over 3,000 people have been involved with the project over the last five years. These people are the custodians of this habitat, from present day farmers to future managers still currently at primary school. It is vital that the work begun by the LIFE project continues through practical work, advice, education and advocacy. This work has been successful at many levels, changing attitudes locally and bringing blanket bogs and their importance to the notice of decision makers and policy formers. Through the high profile combination of practical work on a landscape scale, supported by rigorous monitoring and cutting edge science this work in one area of Wales has informed policy across the whole of Wales, and contributed to the understanding of this ecosystem on a UK and international platform. Active blanket bog is an extremely important habitat globally. In Wales, we have a responsibility to protect it to ensure that future generations can profit from the sheer beauty and considerable benefits that this rare habitat can provide. 53

54 References Daniels, R. E., and Eddy, A., 1985 Handbook of European Sphagna. Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, NERC, Huntingdon Holden, J., Walker, J., Evans, M.G., Worrall, F., Davison, S., A compendium of UK peat restoration and management projects. Final Report to DEFRA. Littlewood, N., Anderson, P., Artz, R., Bragg, O., Lunt, P., Marrs, R., 2010 Peatland Biodiversity. IUCN UK Peatland Programme Commission Armstrong A., Holden J., Kay P., Foulger M., Gledhill S., McDonald A.T., Walker A., Drain-blocking techniques on blanket peat: a framework for best practice. Journal of Environmental Management 90 (11), Lindsay, R, Peatbogs and Carbon: A critical synthesis to inform policy development in oceanic peat bog conservation and restoration in the context of climate change. RSPB Scotland Natural England. England s Peatlands Carbon Storage and Greenhouse Gases 2010 Moors for the Future Report No. 4 Understanding Gully Blocking in Deep Peat, 2005 Randolph, S.E., 2004 Evidence that climate change has caused emergence of tick-borne diseases in Europe? International Journal of Medical Microbiology 293, Suppl.37, ECOSSE (2007) Estimating Carbon in Organic Soils Sequestration and Emission. Edinburgh, Scottish Executive. 54

55 Active Blanket Bog in Wales EU Life - Nature Programme The project has published papers in a variety of journals based on the analyses of the monitoring at Lake Vyrnwy: Wilson L, Wilson J, Holden J, Armstrong A, Johnstone I, Morris M. Ditch blocking, water chemistry and organic carbon flux: evidence that blanket bog restoration reduces erosion and fluvial carbon loss. Submitted-a. Wilson L, Wilson J, Holden J, Armstrong A, Johnstone I, Morris M. The impact of drain blocking on an upland blanket bog during storm and drought events, and the importance of sampling-scale. Submitted-b. Wilson L, Wilson J, Holden J, Johnstone I, Armstrong A, Morris M. Recovery of water tables in Welsh blanket bog after drain-blocking: Discharge rates, time scales and the influence of local conditions. Journal of Hydrology 2011; 391: Wilson L, Wilson J, Johnstone I. The effect of blanket bog drainage on habitat condition and on sheep grazing, evidence from a Welsh upland bog. Biological Conservation 144 (2011)

56 56

57 Active Blanket Bog in Wales EU Life - acknowledements Acknowledgements The project is pleased to acknowledge the generous funding received from the EU LIFE-Nature Programme towards the implementation of this project. We also wish to thank the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Countryside Council for Wales, the Forestry Commission Wales, the Environment Agency, Snowdonia National Park Authority and the National Trust as well as the other organisations and individuals who have participated in the project and contributed to its success. In particular a big thank you to all landowners, graziers and contractors who supported this project and contributed to its success. All photo credits to rspb-images.com or gorgorscymru. Many thanks to all those who have contributed images throughout the book: Andy Hay, Chris Gomersall, David Wotton, Jared Wilson, Jude Lane, Fiona Walker, Mike Morris, Alistair Wilson, David Woodfall, Russell Davies, Huw Evans, Nick Young, Debbie Coldwell. This handbook has been edited by Richard Farmer and designed and printed by Seer Design ( Further information The following websites provide further information about blanket bog conservation and restoration: LIFE Nature Unit Environment Directorate-General European Commission DG ENV.E.3 B-1049 Brussels Fax: Project reference: LIFE06 NAT/UK/