Since 2003, our frequent and detailed surveys show the effect of conservation actions on the developing vegetative community.

This report explains the results of these surveys.  It details the changes to vegetation over time as a result of our work, as well as the knock on effects of this work in regard to outcomes such as the flow of water during a storm event, the water quality flowing from the sites, water table heights and sediment accumulation.

• The extent of bare peat reduced at a linear rate for 5 years
• The cover and number of indicator species improved over the whole 12 years
• Water table height increased steadily over 12 years
• A strong correlation between cover of indicator species and height of water table was observed
• Storm flow lag times (between peak rain input and peak flow output) increased dramatically in the first year
• The amount of peak storm flow decreased  dramatically in the first year
• Concentrations of calcium (a major component of the lime treatment) were significantly raised and were still hight 18 months later
• pH was also raised
• Annual mean concentrations of dissolved organic carbon did not change
• Gully blocks successfully trapped sediment during the first two years after installation