The habitat areas contained herein have been derived using the best available desktop information at the time of plan preparation in addition to field survey. This includes OSNI orthos and condition assessment data and reports 2002-2016. This site was mapped by Arup.

The following definitions were used in Annex 1 classification -

a. H7110 -

Active raised bog was identified as per the Interpretation Manual of European Union Habitats, still supporting a significant area of vegetation that is normally peat forming.

Peatland that has been burnt or otherwise damaged, but where it is believed that peat formation has only ceased temporarily, was also within the definition of active.

Cutover polygons with an average of >30% Sphagnum cover or where Eriophorum vaginatum/angustifolium is present in significant quantities with some Sphagnum on deep peat, were recorded as 7110.

b. H7120 -

As per the Interpretation manual of European habitats Degraded raised bogs only included examples which are ‘capable of natural regeneration’, i.e. "where the hydrology can be repaired and where, with appropriate rehabilitation management, there is a reasonable expectation of re-establishing vegetation with peat-forming capability within 30 years". Provided they are capable of natural regeneration, the following land-cover types were considered to fall within the definition of Degraded raised bogs:

i. Conifer plantations;

ii. Improved pasture;

iii. Scrub woodland (usually birch Betula spp.);

iv. Bare peat;

v. Impoverished vegetation dominated by species including purple moor grass Molinia caerulea, hare’s-tail cottongrass Eriophorum vaginatum and heather Calluna vulgaris, and lacking significant cover of bog-mosses Sphagnum species

OSNI historical 6 inch County Series mapping was used to identify the full potential extent of H7120.

Field Surveys were carried out on site in August 2019 and corrected to OSNI Orthophotography by desk based study.

Site visits were conducted by NIEA post-map production to ground truth a proportion of the mapping.

The habitat map was created at 1:1,000 scale and mapped to Phase 1, EUNIS and Annex 1, where appropriate.

It is intended that this map will be reviewed as required. This version was completed on 15 June 2021.

For more information on Annex 1 codes in the UK please see the following website - https://sac.jncc.gov.uk/habitat/