Wag Peatland Restoration
Introduction
The site was originally mechanically drained in the 1960's to 'improve' the land for agriculture (sheep farming). The land forms the upper catchment of the Langwell Water and flow regimes have been modified by the drainage which is likely having a negative impact on the SAC for Atlantic Salmon. The negative impacts include modification to flow regimes and the introduction of actively eroding peat to the river. pH spikes are liable to casue difficulties for juvenile salmonids and invertebrate prey species they depend upon to thrive.
This Project was funded by the Peatland Action Fund
Description
Mostly gently sloping open moorland with some steeper slopes; predominantly blanket bog / wet heath. Peat depths varying from 30cm to several metres.
Project Aims
Restoring Hydrology and reducing pollution in the Langwell & Berriedale Waters SAC (designated for Atlantic Salmon populations). Reducing erosion of peatland and re-wetting peatland in order that it's capacity to store and accumulate carbon is restored / improved.
Restoration Delivered
101.896 km of drain blocking and re-profiling.
3.136 km of hag edge re-profiling
Site Activity
Drains were blocked using peat dams and hag edges were re-profiled all using a 360 excavators with low ground pressure bog tracks.
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Project Name: Wag Peatland Restoration
Organisation / Lead partner: Langwell & Braemore Estates
Location: Wag, Berriedale, Caithness, KW7 6HD
Approximate area covered: 963 ha
Conservation Status: Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), RAMSAR site, Natura 2000
Predominately: Upland
Peat Habitats: Blanket bog
Project Type: Restoration, Research
Year Project Began: 2017
Project End Date: 2019
