Peatland Restoration Surveys – North Yorkshire

Client – Yorkshire Peat Partnership

Key Services – Habitat Assessment

Duration – Winter 2020 and Winter 2023

Project Overview – Peatland Restoration Surveys and Assessment within the Yorkshire Dales

Ecological Input – Haycock and Jay Associates were commissioned to assist the Yorkshire Peat Partnership (YPP) with PA2 Feasibility Study surveys and restoration works monitoring, following capital works, on upland peatland across North Yorkshire.

Feasibility studies gathered baseline data to inform Countryside Stewardship applications, with our surveyors recording the vegetation present and habitat classification based on the National Vegetation Classification (NVC); evidence of damage including grips, gullies, peat hags and bare peat; natural features; and the condition and management of the site. Works monitoring involved assessing the quality of restoration work, including recording the presence and type of dams, bunding, hag-reprofiling and re-vegetation.

Outcomes – The results and observations from the fieldwork were used to feed into restoration plans for each of the sites surveyed including various blocking plans for grips and gullies.

This work took us to some beautiful sites including those near the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, and with views of the Yorkshire Three Peaks; and we were treated to encounters with short-eared owl and golden plover, with endless voles scurrying at our feet. Not to be forgotten are the colourful carpets of Sphagnum which brightened up the greyest of winter days!

The crucial work that YPP carry out is becoming ever more important to conserve biodiversity, and enhance ecosystem services provided by peatlands – such as carbon and water storage – which will benefit both people and wildlife for generations to come.