NE Water level stabilisation at Thorne & Hatfield Moors SAC/SPA .

Tender description

Natural England (NE) require works to be undertaken to increase the water levels within Packard’s Heath compartment of Hatfield SAC and to stabilise water levels on Thorne Moors SAC in order to help in the restoration of this European rare habit lowland raised mire. This work is being undertaken as part of the Conservation Actions as part of the LIFE+ Project That’s’ Life (LIFE13/NAT/UK000451), Action C4 & C5 Peat was extracted from the site for many years but gained momentum when extracted commercially from the 1870’s until 2004, with surface milling taking place from the late 1980’s. The older cuttings that have not been subjected to surface milling and exhibit a baulk and cutting topography are higher than adjacent surface milled areas. As a consequence, they are also dryer and have led to the establishment of birch scrub. Project intervention: Remove birch scrub to facilitate the building of peat bunds within Packard’s Heath. Increasing water levels will eventually reduce the vigorousness of the remaining scrub, the water level will naturally rise due to reductions in evapotranspiration and water table management. The higher water table will then prevent the scrub from re-establishing. On Thorne Moors action is required to increase and stabilise water levels in various compartments within the Thorne Moors complex. Stabilising water levels should help increase the formation of peat forming Sphagnum mosses. Project Outcomes 1) 10,337m of peat bunding on Packard’s Heath, project action C4. 2) Install 659m of sheet piling bunding, 292 m of peat bunding, 4 plastic pile weirs and 1 dam incorporating crossing point at Thorne Moors action C5 To provide favourable conditions for bog plants assisting the increase in water levels through the reduction of rainfall interception and reduction of evapotranspiration. **Mandatory site visit during 08/10/2018 – 26/10/18.** Contact: David Hargreaves 07785 714020 or david.hargreaves@naturalengland.org.uk