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Fen Management Handbook - Scottish Natural Heritage

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80<br />

Develop and<br />

implement action<br />

strategy to achieve<br />

objectives<br />

Identify funding sources (see Section 12: <strong>Fen</strong>s from an Economic Perspective)<br />

Monitor outcomes See Section 10: Monitoring to Inform <strong>Fen</strong> <strong>Management</strong><br />

Review and revise<br />

strategy<br />

5.3 Looking at the broader context<br />

5.3.1 Historical context<br />

Assess whether management is achieving desired objectives<br />

If so, maintain current management, if not, restart the process by revisiting the hydrological<br />

assessment<br />

Many fens in lowland UK are likely to be a small part of a wetland which was<br />

previously more extensive and had some economic use e.g. turf cutting, reed cutting<br />

or hay crop. Much speculation and uncertainty about the reasons for present-day<br />

conditions could be by-passed by asking the right people the right questions. Was<br />

wet woodland once managed as an osier bed, or the tall single species dominated<br />

fen once used for a hay crop and grazing? Agricultural records are often a good<br />

source of relevant historical information.<br />

One of the less species-rich parts of Cors Erddreiniog on Ynys Môn<br />

(Anglesey) was allegedly used to grow carrots during the Second World<br />

War, and this may well be the reason for its unfavourable condition and<br />

the current difficulty in restoring its rich fen potential.<br />

– Research the historical and wider context of the fen.<br />

– Ask local people about past history of the site.<br />

– Look in the local library or museum for books or other documents which<br />

may record past management history.<br />

– Check citations accompanying listings or designations to see if they can<br />

reveal more about past vegetation history. Stratigraphy may also provide<br />

valuable information.<br />

5.3.2 Consider the site in the context of the wider catchment<br />

All fens are inextricably linked to the surrounding catchment, which affects both<br />

quantity and quality of water and nutrients, the flora and fauna which a fen can<br />

support and the form it takes in the landscape. The links are not always immediately<br />

obvious: wetlands that appear isolated on the ground may be linked permanently or<br />

intermittently with other wetlands via underground regional aquifers. Considering<br />

the land use, type and intensity of management (both past and present) of<br />

adjacent land, and the wider catchment, is therefore critical to developing a proper<br />

understanding of fen hydrology, nutrient status, and effective fen management.<br />

<strong>Fen</strong> conservation requires an understanding of underlying physical<br />

processes such as geomorphological, geological and hydrological, as<br />

well as biological processes. Connectivity between these processes<br />

within the landscape is important, particularly with regard to water<br />

supply and nutrient levels.

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