Peatland Restoration Works 3 Sites Cumbernauld

Descriptions

Arbronhil Bog Proposed Works The majority of drains at Abronhill Bog are approximately 0.5m - 1.5m wide with a deep peat base (>75cm) and, therefore, lend themselves to blocking with machine-built peat dams. However, it is recommended that these are installed at 10m intervals in order to maximise the rewetting effect, and are also sited so as to complement existing peat dams. The large E-W drain which bisects Compt 1 is approximately 2-3m wide and will require a series of plastic dams with timber A-frame supports installed at 15m intervals (as per Peatland Action guidance). However, there is also likely to be a requirement for a temporary bridge to be installed across this drain to permit machine access to the north of Compt 1. A small number (x4) of small plastic dams are required to block the active drain in Compt 3. Scrub removal in Compt 1 & 3 will be undertaken by volunteers. However, the size and density of birch/L. pine present within Compt 2 would require a specialist forestry contractor to remove. Any felled material/arisings could be used to help infill the drainage channels between dams within Compt 2. However, any tree/woodland removal in this compt will need to be undertaken in advance of any ditch-blocking work in order to facilitate machine access. Stumps should also be cut as close to ground level as possible to permit access by tracked machine. Sparrow Bog Proposed Works The priority for restoration is to promote a more natural hydrology across the bog through a programme of drain-blocking. This should lead to an overall increase in the cover, extent, and diversity of Sphagnum mosses across the site and ultimately lead to a reduction in CO2 and CH4 emissions, to the point where Sparrow Bog reverts back to a more carbon neutral state. Re-wetting of the bog is also likely to make it more resilient to damage from any future burning events. Considering the size and nature of the majority of drains in question, the most practicable option would be to install a series of plastic piling dams to help raise the water table closer to ground level (following Peatland Action guidance). However, any felled woody material/brash could be used to help infill those channels deemed unsuitable for dam installation by placing sections of timber longitudinally within each drain - This could be carried out by volunteers (see below). Proposed dam locations and ditches to be blocked are indicated on the Restoration Proposals map in Annex 4. The total length of drain to be blocked/infilled is 2006m (1649m blocked with plastic dams + 357m infilled with felled timber). Birch/regeneration and bracken management is to be undertaken by volunteers. Broadwood Bog Proposed Works The priority for restoration is to promote a more natural hydrology across the bog through a programme of intense drain-blocking and scrub removal. This should lead to an overall increase in the cover, extent, and diversity of Sphagnum mosses across the site. Re-wetting of the bog is also likely to make it more resilient to damage from potential fire events, as well as inhibiting further development of birch scrub/conifer regeneration across the main bog. The majority of NW-SE drains at Broadwood Moss are approximately 0.5m - 1m wide with a deep peat base (>75cm) and, therefore, lend themselves to blocking with machine-built peat dams. However, it is recommended that these are installed at 10m intervals in order to maximise the rewetting effect. It is also recommended that the original terminal plastic dams installed at the eastern end of the E-W drains in 2014/15 are replaced using plastic piling dams (as per Peatland Action guidance). The proposed plastic dam locations and ditches to be blocked with peat dams are indicated on the Restoration Proposals map. Scrub and regeneration management will be undertaken by volunteers.