Tarmac’s bog restoration project at Swarth Moor SSSI has documented record numbers of a threatened species of newt, proving the ‘re-wetting’ of the bog was a success
A bog restoration project at Swarth Moor Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) has seen record numbers of the great crested newt, a threatened species, proving that conservation efforts have been a success.
Concerns were raised that the bog, located between Tarmac’s Arcow and Dry Rigg Quarries in North Yorkshire, was drying out and attracting species that would not typically found in such habitats.
The conservation was a collaborative effort between Tarmac and several ecological organisations
Jointly funded by Tarmac, the Stories in Stone Project, and Natural England, led by ecologists Bowland Ecology and supported by Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, the ‘re-wetting’ process at the site consisted of creating bunded cells across the surface of the bog which retain water and encourage the establishment of special mosses and plants.
Tarmac funded a Leeds University research project to assess the SSSI and develop a conservation management plan prior to work commencing.
This plan was then carried out by the key partners and lead contractor Conservefor.
The initial conservation programme was completed in 2021, with the project’s success confirmed by the recording of almost 350 great crested newts, a protected species, across the site and nearby ponds earlier this year.
The bog restoration project also created additional habitats for animals
Additional conservation work on the project included desilting existing ponds, excavating three new ponds and building three large ‘hibernacula’ – places where animals seek refuge over winter, which are made by layering logs, rocks and earth.
A boardwalk was also constructed to allow people to safely observe and monitor the area without disturbing the newly establishing flora and fauna.
Member champion for the Natural Environment at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Mark Corner, said:
“There are multiple benefits for biodiversity and it’s significant that the peatland is now capturing and storing carbon again effectively. Swarth Moor is adjacent to Dry Rigg quarry and as common land it’s a really important place for people as well as wildlife. I hope the new viewing platform and boardwalk will help people appreciate its wonders.”
The restored bog will capture and store carbon for years to come
Peatland captures and stores carbon very effectively- globally, peatlands store at least 550 gigatons of carbon, which is more than twice the amount that is stored in the world’s forests.
Katie Callcutt, restoration technical manager at Tarmac said: “Having supported the re-wetting of the SSSI, it’s been hugely rewarding to see re-establishing populations of protected species including great crested newt on the site. The work with our project partners to protect the peat-bog will also critically ensure that it continues to act as a natural carbon sink as we fight climate change.
“Tarmac is committed to sustainable land stewardship and to leaving a lasting legacy for wildlife and future generations, so it’s great to see these biodiversity success stories including here at this important site in North Yorkshire.”
