Fen Management Handbook - Scottish Natural Heritage

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Develop and
implement action
strategy to achieve
objectives
Identify funding sources (see Section 12: Fens from an Economic Perspective)
Monitor outcomes See Section 10: Monitoring to Inform Fen Management
Review and revise
strategy
5.3 Looking at the broader context
5.3.1 Historical context
Assess whether management is achieving desired objectives
If so, maintain current management, if not, restart the process by revisiting the hydrological
assessment
Many fens in lowland UK are likely to be a small part of a wetland which was
previously more extensive and had some economic use e.g. turf cutting, reed cutting
or hay crop. Much speculation and uncertainty about the reasons for present-day
conditions could be by-passed by asking the right people the right questions. Was
wet woodland once managed as an osier bed, or the tall single species dominated
fen once used for a hay crop and grazing? Agricultural records are often a good
source of relevant historical information.
One of the less species-rich parts of Cors Erddreiniog on Ynys Môn
(Anglesey) was allegedly used to grow carrots during the Second World
War, and this may well be the reason for its unfavourable condition and
the current difficulty in restoring its rich fen potential.
– Research the historical and wider context of the fen.
– Ask local people about past history of the site.
– Look in the local library or museum for books or other documents which
may record past management history.
– Check citations accompanying listings or designations to see if they can
reveal more about past vegetation history. Stratigraphy may also provide
valuable information.
5.3.2 Consider the site in the context of the wider catchment
All fens are inextricably linked to the surrounding catchment, which affects both
quantity and quality of water and nutrients, the flora and fauna which a fen can
support and the form it takes in the landscape. The links are not always immediately
obvious: wetlands that appear isolated on the ground may be linked permanently or
intermittently with other wetlands via underground regional aquifers. Considering
the land use, type and intensity of management (both past and present) of
adjacent land, and the wider catchment, is therefore critical to developing a proper
understanding of fen hydrology, nutrient status, and effective fen management.
Fen conservation requires an understanding of underlying physical
processes such as geomorphological, geological and hydrological, as
well as biological processes. Connectivity between these processes
within the landscape is important, particularly with regard to water
supply and nutrient levels.