Greater Sedgemoor Landscape Recovery Project

A core goal of the project is to protect and enhance biodiversity. This involves working to support a wide range of species, from iconic and threatened birds such as Lapwings and Curlews to aquatic plants, invertebrates, and woodland species such as Dormice. The project also aims to increase ecological connectivity from the low lying moors through extensively managed pasture, hay meadow and scrub habitat to woodland on the surrounding low hills.

It will also restore and create new wetlands, species rich grasslands and hedgerows, and expand areas of woodland. Ditches and water courses will be managed sympathetically to support key species, and a programme of monitoring and management will identify and remove non-native species.

The project integrates the needs of farmers and landowners through individual one to one support and collaborative partnerships. Where they exist, the project works with ‘Moor Associations’ to help build consensus for change, and help with the transition in land use needed to help adapt to the impacts of climate change.

The project promotes nature-friendly and sustainable farming practices that improve soil health, support wildlife, and produce food sustainably.

By encouraging farming that works in harmony with nature, the project ensures that local farming communities will benefit from the landscape’s recovery.

Greater Sedgemoor’s wetlands and peatlands contain huge stores of carbon. Around half of the project area contains deep peat deposits – in many places several metres deep. All of it is drained, so it’s currently a net emitter of CO2. The project is exploring what is needed to restore the peat to a state that minimises greenhouse gas emissions. By restoring degraded peatlands and wetlands, the project aims to build resilience to climate change impacts and meet Net Zero targets.

In addition, improved water management will help reduce the risk of flooding, protecting local communities and ecosystems from extreme weather events.

Water quality in the SSSI protected sites is poor due to run-off from slurry and fertilizer application on fields and sewage treatment works outfalls which feed into the moors via the river, rhyne and ditch networks.

We are exploring options that help to remove phosphorus and other nutrients whilst creating both a valuable wetland habitat and a useful products such as ‘bio puff’ - an infill for puffer jackets made from the seedheads of the wetland plant Typha latifolia.

The project aims to better manage public access within the landscape area, reducing conflicts of disturbance, whilst also enhancing the network of well-maintained rights of way, creating new access points and improving accessibility and interpretation/information. The project will be working with tourism providers and local nature-aligned businesses to stimulate green tourism opportunities by developing and promoting activities which celebrate the area’s special character. It will also explore the potential for enhanced digital platforms and technology that enhance participation and engagement.

Local communities are at the heart of the project. The Greater Sedgemoor Landscape Recovery Project will encourage public participation in both the development and implementation phases through volunteering opportunities, and community-led conservation. Engagement with schools, families, and individuals will help to foster a deeper connection to the land and encourages long-term stewardship of the landscape recovery area.

Local farmers and land managers play a critical role in managing the landscape recovery area. These landowners will be at the core of the project, implementing nature-friendly and climate-resilient farming practices that support the recovery of nature and have multiple additional benefits: cleaner water, reduced CO2 emissions, biodiversity, health and wellbeing alongside food and other products.

The RSPB, Somerset Wildlife Trust, and the National Trust all own land within the Landscape Recovery project area. This will be managed for the benefit of wildlife alongside climate mitigation and adaptation. FWAG SW (Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South West) play a key role in supporting farming and landowner partners through one to one and collaborative support via the Moor Association network.

Natural England and the Environment Agency have significant parcels of National Nature Reserve land within the Project Area. This will also be managed to maximise its role in nature recovery and climate mitigation and adaptation. The project is also supported by these local and national teams with funding and guidance provided from Defra.

Public support for land use change will be essential to the project’s long-term success. A programme of local community engagement has begun with numerous opportunities for local people to take part. There are also a number of hands-on volunteer opportunities in the development and implementation phases through restoration activities and citizen science projects.

Moving away from intensive land management in targeted zones closest to the most special, protected areas.

Managing water levels within peat to prevent shrinkage and land height loss, minimise carbon emissions, improve habitat quality, and reduce flood risk impacts.

Developing new parcels of permanent wetland habitat on the lowest lying land within moors. These will provide breeding and wintering areas for key species, support aquatic life, and improve water quality.

Maximising the use of the gravity drained parts of the system to reduce the impact of flooding on communities and infrastructure and improve the management of water to address the impacts of drought.

Creating new areas of transitional scrub and buffer habitat, including dry species rich grassland, adjacent to the woodland edge to boost invertebrate, small mammal, and breeding bird populations.