Sandford Heath Peatland Restoration

Description

Summary Felling and extraction of coniferous tree cover over peaty soils, infill of drainage channels using existing spoil banks and some arisings from felling works. Flailing/foraging of Mollinia tussocks, creation of pilot channel to encourage flow toward central flowpaths. See Appendix A for Site Plan (also indicates ditch location referred too in below objectives), stored under documents. Objectives Phase I Ideal Ecological Timeframe: 17th November 2025 – 28th February 2026 i. Felling area totals approximately 2.52 ha. ii. All Scots pine Pinus sylvestris and beech Fagus sylvatica to be felled; the former as non-native woodland cover on peat, and the latter as water uptake incompatible with peat restoration. iii. Birch Betula spp., willow Salix spp., oak Quercus spp., and sweet chestnut Castanea sativa also to be felled, though approx. 25 scattered and marginal veteran/future veteran trees will be retained, both in recogn