Warslow Moors Estate - Orchard Common complex: Hydrological Survey at al

Descriptions

Hydrological Survey, Peat Depth Survey, Sphagnum Frequency survey, and Phase One Habitat Survey with the overall aim to identify and describe the hydrological context of the survey area, identifying opportunities to improve the local water quality and its water storage capabilities and in particular any opportunities for wetting up blanket bog and wet heath habitats in line with the conservation objectives of the SSSI, helping achieve favourable and wider conservation interest. Recommended interventions should aim to remove or mitigate the impacts of any artificial drainage features, such as moorland grips or drains and where possible: •Restore a more "natural" hydrological regime •Maximise opportunities for raising water levels in the peat •Strengthen the resilience of habitats such as blanket bog, wet heath, flushes and open water on the site •Benefit nesting waders, invertebrates and wetland plants in particular. The survey should: It should: •Review existing data pertaining to drainage •Undertake field survey of all hydrological features •The phase 1 habitat maps should be reviewed and updated •Sphagnum distribution and relative abundance •Quantify peat depth across the survey area and any underlying mineral soils •Record actual depth of materials •Identify and describe water inputs and related features to the site •Identify and describe water outputs from the site