Hydrological and Habitat Survey at Warslow Moors Estate - Orchard Common Complex

About

Peak District National Park Authority awarded a contract to Terra-Firma Environmental Limited for a hydrological survey, peat depth survey, sphagnum frequency survey, and Phase One habitat survey at Warslow Moors Estate - Orchard Common complex.

The contract, valued at AUD 16,900, aimed to identify and describe the hydrological context of the survey area, including opportunities to improve local water quality and water storage capabilities, particularly for wetting up blanket bog and wet heath habitats in line with SSSI conservation objectives.

The survey involved reviewing existing drainage data, field survey of hydrological features, updating Phase 1 habitat maps, assessing sphagnum distribution and abundance, quantifying peat depth and underlying mineral soils, and identifying water inputs and outputs.

Recommended interventions aimed to remove or mitigate artificial drainage features and restore a natural hydrological regime.