An age-old landscape in Spadeadam Forest, Cumbria, is being returned to its ancient character as work begins to restore more of the Border Mires.
The 12,000 acre forest, which is mostly managed by the Forestry Commission, is a key haven for woodland wildlife, but also contains some of the rarest plants in England in its many peat bogs. Royal Air Force Spadeadam, the only Electronic Warfare Tactics Facility in the UK, covers 9600 acres, or eighty per cent of this area.
Now more than 145,000 trees are being felled over 200 acres of mainly wet terrain to revitalise these bogs, which formed after the last Ice Age, 10,000 years ago. RAF Spadeadam is a key partner in bog restoration efforts and low-level bombing exercises have been suspended to allow timber to be harvested.
Spadeadam was planted by the Forestry Commission in the 20th century to shore up the nation's depleted timber reserves after two world wars. The trees are a valuable and sustainable resource, but some of the boggiest areas were also planted, which are vital habitats for rare plants, birds and spectacular insects. Now conservation is top of the agenda for these precious ancient mires.
The work will mean a boost for vegetation like bog asphodel, sphagnum mosses, sundews and many insects. But it could also help one of England's rarest trees in its fight for survival. The bonsai-like dwarf birch is usually found in much colder climates, but it clings onto existence at Spadeadam.
Tom Dearnley, Ecologist with the Forestry Commission, said:
"The work is an important milestone in a long-term project to restore this amazing habitat. The Border Mires are not only one of the UK's most important wetland habitats, but they are of global significance. The work will enable bog plants to keep their roots in the water and allow the surrounding forest to continue growing on more solid ground."
The Border Mires straddle Northumberland and Cumbria. They comprise 57 peatland areas, including those at Spadeadam. Most are protected as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the European Habitats Directive. Britain holds approximately 13% of the world resource of blanket bog.
Most of the trees at Spadeadam will be taken out using conventional equipment. However, trees on the peatiest ground which are difficult to harvest for wood production will be removed by a "vertical mulcher" with extra wide caterpillar tracks. This extraordinary 25 tonne machine can turn a tree into a pile of chips in 15 seconds.
Work will take ten weeks to complete and has been initiated by the Border Mires Project. Since 1998 it has restored 600 acres of bog. Partners include Forestry Commission England, RAF Spadeadam, Natural England, Newcastle University, Northumberland Wildlife Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority. These parties also meet twice yearly as the RAF Spadeadam Conservation Group, providing advice, support and practical delivery of projects.
Media calls to Richard Darn on 01226 246351, mobile 0775 367 0038.
NOTE TO EDITOR
The Forestry Commission is the government department responsible in England for protecting, expanding and promoting the sustainable management of woods and forests and increasing their value to society and the environment. Forestry makes a real contribution to sustainable development, providing social and environmental benefits arising from planting and managing attractive, as well as productive, woodlands.
RAF Spadeadam is the only facility in Europe where aircrews can practise manoeuvres and tactics against a variety of threats and targets that they face in contemporary warfare. This fascinating facility attracts aircraft from the RAF, Army, Royal Navy and NATO Forces. The survival of aircrews over Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere, and the soldiers on the ground who depend on air support are affected by the training provided by RAF Spadeadam.
Website: http://www.raf.mod.uk/rafspadeadam/
Media Calls to Mrs Heidi Garstang on 016977 49232