Scrub clearance and Rhododendron clearance has been
taking place in Green Belt and on Crowle Moors throughout the
winter in advance of planned works to raise water levels in these
areas next Autumn. Some work ahs also been takimng place near Angle
Drain and Mervyn's Tram. This work has been funded through the
Humberhead Levels Nature Improvement Area and is being done in
consultation with Natural England. Whilt this may appear drastic,
it is necessary to reduce the amount of evapotranspiration that is
taking place in these tree-covered areas and so permit the rainfall
that falls on the bog to reach the surface and remain there for as
long as possible. Only by doing this can we ensure that the surface
of the bog remains wet enough to encourage the growth of
Sphagnum mosses: the key to returning Thorne Moors to the
glorious peat bog it once was.
The works should be finished at the end of February, so as not
to disturb nesting birds, and has been very successful in preparing
the ground for the damming works due to take place along the
western edge of the moors at the back end of 2014.
