Upper Nidderdale – January 2009 to March 2010

Uplands across the United Kingdom have undergone many ecological changes over the years, one of the most dramatic being the installation of moorland grips. These irrigation channels lower the water table and erode the fragile peat.

As peat moorland is one of the UK’s largest carbon stores, protecting peat from erosion and improving biodiversity is of national importance. Natural England and The Yorkshire Peat Partnership engaged DMS to undergo restoration of the site in order to prevent further damage of this fragile habitat and maintain this vital carbon store.

Using our specially adapted low ground pressure excavators we systematically blocked these gullies to reduce water flow and increase the local water table.

The completion of the first phase of Grip Blocking on Stean Moor saw a great deal of hard work from the team battling against the weather conditions which created long delays to the restoration. However by mobilising extra machinery to site we were able to meet the projects deadlines on time and within budget.

The site required comprehensive CDM planning and implementation. We created a site Health and Safety file detailing the requirements for our employees and site visitors, which contributed to ensuring a safe working environment for all parties concerned.

On completion of the ground works, extensive site plans were issued to the client ensuring works are recorded and stored as part of the Steam Moor Management Plan.

If you would like to read more on this project and the Yorkshire Peat Partnership then this newsletter explains in depth the Stean Moor project.