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PM 21 - Restore water levels on peatland to enable creation and enhancement of lowland fen habitats

Code
PM 21
Measure
Restore water levels on peatland to enable creation and enhancement of lowland fen habitats
Description
Drainage is one of the most significant threats to peatland habitats, especially in lowland areas where lowland fens can be found. This irreplaceable habitat represents just 0.03% of Herefordshire. Restoring water levels, through blocking or removing old drains and creating leaky dams to slow the flow of water will help to create these habitats and support their long-term management.
Wider environmental benefits
Improving water quality Increasing flood risk management Reducing climate change impact Improving soil health
Links to additional information and guidance

https://cieem.net/resource/the-fen-management-handbook/

Priority
Freshwater habitats are expanded, restored and reconnected
Priority description
Herefordshire has greater than the national average density of ponds, as well as a diverse range of other freshwater habitats. These are vital places for wildlife and provide freshwater resilience to the landscape, which will be increasingly important as climate change impacts are experienced. it will also be important to ensure the ponds are kept in as natural a state as possible. With many ponds starting to be more actively gardened this can lead to an increase in introduced species and unnatural nutrient loads impacting the potential biodiversity and species that could depend on them. Expanding, restoring and reconnecting these habitats will be crucial to maintaining resilience and benefitting both species and people.