Dam Works for Swallow Moss Complex, Warslow Estate, Staffordshire

Description

Please refer to attached Map. 1 which shows the location of proposed blocking works on the swallow moss complex which is part of a wider SSSI, SPA and SAC designation. The area shown is owned and managed by the PDNPA and covers c.260 hectares, there are five individual blocks of land that make up this area and include; Swallow Moss, Averhill side, Lum Edge, Revidge, and Moorside. Wet heath covers much of the area with dry heath predominantly on higher areas of ground, important mires, flushes and scrub are also present (Map 2). The moors are crossed with primary and secondary watercourses, and in places groundwater emerges on slopes and wetlands and flushes have developed. The area supports a range of birdlife including upland breeding waders such as snipe and curlew. The moors are currently rented out on a variety of grazing licenses and tenancies, and grazed with cattle during the summer months. The area has been subject to a detailed hydrological survey and a number of 'watercourses' have been identified for hydrological works, see Map 5 & 6 and the accompanying spreadsheet. These have been selected based on site visits and consultation with NE staff. The Authority is seeking tender returns for the full implementation of the Works for inclusion within a Higher Tier stewardship agreement with the intention being to undertake works during 2020 and 2021