A joint partnership publication for the Humberhead Peatlands

National Nature Reserve.

Issue 9 • Summer 2019

LIFE UpdateAs we move into the fi nal stages of the LIFE project, it’s time to take stock of the work we have delivered and look forward to the future for the Moors now that the programme has provided such solid foundations. One of the fi rst things you may notice is that the staffi ng of the project has changed since the last issue – David Hargreaves has moved on to a new post with the National Trust, whereas Helen Laycock and Richard Smith have transferred to new jobs in Natural England. Although new to the Project Manager role, I’m not new to the project, having been involved as a line manager for the last year and I’m pleased to welcome Lorraine Wakefi eld as the new Administrative Offi cer for the last six months of the programme.

In terms of changes to the site since the last issue, we have continued with the last of the ground works, including water control dams and bunding across Thorne, Hatfi eld and Crowle, and by the time you read this, the pumping station on Thorne Moors will have been accepted by Natural England, greatly enhancing our ability to manage water levels across Thorne Moors. In terms of monitoring, Lucy Mitchell completed the nightjar monitoring work last autumn and her interpretation of the years of survey work will be published as an appendix to the fi nal report, due to be completed in the autumn. Richard is also putting fi nal touches to the vegetation and invertebrate monitoring data that we will make available also as part of the reporting process to the EU. Water level monitoring is particularly important in demonstrating the benefi ts of the work we have done, and volunteers Richard Freestone and Edward Hawes have put together the data collected from dip wells across the site. This information will be available in the autumn too.

As visitors to the Boston Park car park will have noticed over the past nine months, the NNR team and LIFE project staff moved to a new custom-built building over the winter. This new offi ce, workshop and lab is a welcome development, funded through DEFRA, and means that we are now situated on the Nature Reserve, allowing us to improve the visitor experience on the NNR, enhance the value of the site for educational groups and provide greater opportunities for volunteers. It also brings us in closer proximity to the midges, mosquitoes and horse-fl ies, but being able to step outside the back door and hear oystercatchers calling over the lake more than makes up for it. The new facility will be known as the LIFE Lab in recognition of the part the programme has played in improving the educational and volunteering opportunities on the site.

One of the benefi ts of managing the LIFE programme on the Humberhead Peatlands has been visiting other peat restoration LIFE projects to see what work they’ve been doing and sharing experiences and techniques. In the last issue, David described his trip to Latvia, and in May this year, I visited the Cumbria BogLIFE project for their

View across the north of Hatfield Moors © Janet Canning

two day conference. Unlike the Humberhead programme, Cumbria BogLIFE have been working on multiple sites across Cumbria, from the South Solway mosses in the north to Roudsea Wood and Mosses in the south. I visited the restoration works on Wedholme Flow near Wigton with site offi cer Emma Austin to look at the methods that they have used to encourage the regeneration of damaged peat using extensive mats of sphagnum and nursery plants they called ‘green carpets’. The Cumbria BogLIFE project fi nishes in December and we are talking to them about their plans once their project ends to see if there are opportunities to draw together our shared experiences across our two LIFE projects.

As this is likely to be the last Moor Space (at least in its current form) before the project ends, it would be remiss of me not to offer a few thank-you’s to those so instrumental in delivering on this successful project. There are far too many to list individually, however to the staff on the NNR and on the LIFE programme, to the contractors who have delivered so much on the ground, to our partners on the steering group who have helped guide and fund the work on Thorne, Hatfi eld and Crowle, to the volunteers who have been so active on this project, to our colleagues on other LIFE programmes who have so generously shared their expertise and experiences and to the educational groups and visitors who have embraced what we have been trying to do on the Moors, you have my thanks. No project operates in a vacuum and every one of the hundreds of people covered in the list above has played their part in delivering a successful project. Finally, thanks to the EU – LIFE funding has built a foundation for a positive future for the Moors and opened up new opportunities for the future that would otherwise have been unavailable to us. As to what these might be, watch this (Moor)space!

Neil Pike LIFE+ Project Manager

Take care ✻ There are many old peat workings, drains and

water courses. You are strongly advised to keep to way marked walks and existing tracks.

✻ Please take responsibility for your own safety. In hot weather you will need a sunhat, drinking water and insect repellent.

✻ Dogs must be kept under effective control at all times. You must keep your dog on a short lead between 1 March and 31 July and all year round near farm animals.

✻ Camping, fi shing, barbeques, motorcycles, horses and cycles are not allowed. Cycles are permitted on the designated route only at Hatfi eld and horses by permit only at Hatfi eld.

✻ Do not leave valuables in your car.✻ Danger deep water. No swimming.✻ Snakes live here. Do not touch them.✻ Prepare for your visit by wearing suitable

outdoor clothing – you will need to wear stout shoes or wellingtons.

Please follow the Countryside Code

✻ Be safe, plan ahead and follow any signs. ✻ Leave gates and property as you fi nd them. ✻ Protect plants and animals and take your

litter home. ✻ Keep dogs under effective control. ✻ Consider other people.

Facilities

✻ There are toilets on Hatfi eldMoors at the Boston Park car park but none at Thorne Moors – the nearest being in the town.

Keep dogs under effective control.

There are toilets on Hatfi eldMoors at the Boston Park car park but none at Thorne Moors – the nearest being in the town.

LIFE Lab – a new facility at Boston ParkVisitors to the Boston Park car park on Hatfi eld Moors over the past 18 months will have noticed the building works next to the lake. This is an important new facility that will build on the legacy left by the LIFE project and provide a site management, education and volunteer resource unmatched by that on any other National Nature Reserve in England. It has been several years in the planning and construction, however it is now operational and will be the cornerstone in delivering important new research, educational and visitor opportunities on the site for years to come.

The building has been funded through DEFRA’s capital works budget and planning in earnest began in 2016. The aim, aside from moving the NNR staff onto the reserve from their then offi ce base several miles away, was to construct a building that represented a real opportunity to greatly increase the research into peat restoration, carbon storage, climate change and bog hydrology. We also wanted to provide an on-site classroom for educational visits, a base that volunteers and other community groups could use and that would provide a focus point for visitors to the nature reserve. The location was selected to minimise impacts on the site and because Boston Park is the main entry point to the reserve – we wanted to make the facility a focal point of the Humberhead Peatlands, so

it needed to be somewhere visitors to the site could easily access it. Groundworks began in the autumn of 2017 with footings and foundations laid alongside the lake (which wasn’t, as many assumed, to allow the NNR staff to bird watch from the front of the building whilst enjoying a cup of tea!) and the building itself, which is a modular design, was delivered in parts. The equipment needed to do this was too big for the existing bridge and a new temporary bridge needed to be constructed.

Once the modules were in place, the internal fi xtures and fi ttings needed to be completed before we could move in. The building contains offi ce space for the LIFE project team and the NNR management staff, a workshop and meeting room. It also contains a classroom and facilities to support long-term academic and research in the form of two fl ats. These will be used by students and researchers undertaking extended study on the NNR and we are discussing opportunities with a number of institutions to get the best use of this facility.

Study at Ten Acre Lake Hatfield Moors © Janet Canning

Front of new LIFE Lab building © Janet Canning

Isle of Axholme and Hatfi eld Chase Landscape PartnershipI last gave an update on the Isle of Axholme and Hatfi eld Chase Landscape Partnership back in Moors Space Issue 6, which was over a year ago and lots has happened since then. We have a strong project team who have been delivering against their targets and a fantastic volunteer base who have been very committed to the events, training and activities that we have been running.

As you may have seen the two new viewing towers on Hatfi eld Moors have been installed and are now open for use. We haven’t quite fi nished all the work at the towers, as they have yet to have their interpretation boards installed, this will likely be in late summer following some exciting activities we have coming up on site (see below to fi nd out what). The towers overlook the old peat milled fi elds and Packard’s Heath where nightjar’s breed each year. A visit to the towers is highly recommended and the elevated view really provides a different perspective of the surrounding landscape.

Elsewhere we’ve been working with the Peatland Railway on Crowle Moors, with the workshop up and running the volunteers are now laying track, we are planning to open for visitors towards the end of the current year. The group now have four locomotives to restore, three Schoma’s that will be restored on site and a Simplex that the volunteers are restoring with the help from students and tutors at North Lindsey College.

We’ve had school groups out on both Hatfi eld and Crowle Moors, undertaking various activities including pond dipping and mini beast hunting. This has helped to give young students an opportunity to explore a unique and local landscapes that can be often overlooked.

On 20 July, we will be offi cially opening the reconstruction of the Lindholme Neolithic trackway and platform, the event is free and open to all. On the day, you’ll be able to walk on and experience the trackway and enjoy other aspects of Neolithic life. Volunteers have been committed to authentically reconstructing the trackway, using stone tools throughout the whole process. Laura our Archaeologist talks about the history of the trackway elsewhere in this issue of Moor Space.

Our activities across the Isle of Axholme and Hatfi eld Chase are vast; we always keep our social media and website up to date with events that are coming up and the great things we have done. Keep an eye out for us on @IoAHC via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and on IoAHC.net.

Everything we do helps towards our aim of reconnecting local people with the landscape and heritage of the area.

Paul Schofi eldLandscape Project ManagerIsle of Axholme and Hatfi eld Chase Landscape Partnership

New viewing platform looking across old milled peat fields © Janet Canning

Lindholme Neolithic trackway and platform

The Lindholme Neolithic trackway and platform was fi rst identifi ed in 2004 and was investigated archaeologically in 2004-2006. Radiocarbon dated the monument to 2900-2500 BC, making this a Late Neolithic structure. To date, it is the earliest corduroy trackway known in Britain.

The trackway is about 45m long and constructed of Scots pine and silver Birch. The egg-shaped platform, truncated by peat extraction, would have measured 10m by 13m originally set at an angle of 45 degrees to the trackway.

The track surface poles were woven together (just like corduroy fabric) and are laid vertical to the direction of travel. A pair of rails orientated with the trackway support the overlain surface poles. Randomly in places, the rails are held in place by pegs, also of Scots pine, displaying cut marks characteristic of tools from that time.

The trackway and platform displays architectural features that indicate it was something special and meaningful to the people using it. It has been suggested that it represents a form of ritual monument with characteristics similar to that of a henge.

Volunteers have spent many months felling, preparing and carrying trees ready for the reconstruction. Using stone tools, volunteers have created an impressive 20-meter plus trackway and platform. The reconstruction provides

©Laura Smith-Higgins

visitors the chance to explore and appreciate the original monument (which is currently under a bank of peat) and to become acquainted with the community of builders who built it.

Laura Smith-HigginsArchaeology and Heritage Offi cer Isle of Axholme and Hatfi eld Chase Landscape Partnership

©Laura Smith-Higgins

Walks and Events Coming UpFor more information or to book where stated, call 07766 420290.

20 July 10.30am – 3.30pm – Hatfi eld Moors Open Day in partnership with the Isle of Axholme and Hatfi eld Chase Landscape Partnership– all events from Boston Park car park and along the Yellow route/on site at the Neolithic trackway reconstruction – an approx. 15 minute walk from car park. Free entry – refreshments available. Guided walks (approx. 1.30pm), peat coring demonstration 1pm, ancient crafts (all day), Stone Age replica items and activities with NNR staff (all day), Talking Trackways 12.30pm and 1.15pm, experimental woodworking 11.15am and 1.45pm, Stone Age food 10.30am and 2.45pm, Neolithic story telling 2pm and lots more. For more information contact the team on landscapepartnership@northlincs.gov.uk or 01724 297536 or www.ioahc.net22 August 11am to 3.30pm – Water Colour Sketching Day on Hatfi eld Moors – Lead by Ann Wildgust, BA Hons, an experienced artist who will offer support to artists of all grades. All materials will be provided. The focus of this day will be both sketching and water colour painting in the glorious outdoors of the Reserve/at the LIFE Lab National Nature Reserve offi ce. Places are limited so booking essential.28 August 6.30pm – Evening walk on Hatfi eld Moors– Approx. 4-5 miles at strider pace. No need to book.13 October 10.30am – Fungus Identifi cation on Hatfi eld Moors– Approx. 2.5 miles with an expert to point out the many different and fascinating shapes, colours, myths and legends. Booking essential.13 November 10.30am – Autumn Colours on Thorne Moors – Approx. 5 miles to see the seasonal change as we head into winter on a brisk walk to the viewing platform via the Limestone Road and with a chance to see deer. No need to book.

School Holiday Family Events8 August 1-3pm – Pond Dipping and Mini-beast Hunt on Hatfi eld Moors including the Bug Olympics – along one of the trails using identifi cation charts and equipment provided. See what creatures are about on warm summer days. Booking essential.

21 August drop in from 11am to 2pm – Art and Craft Day at Hatfi eld Moors – making masks, kites, fl ags and models of species found at the Moors. Bring old clothes or an apron. Inside facilities available. Picnic area nearby for lunch. No need to book.

30 October 11am to 2.30pm – Bird Box and Feeder Making at Hatfi eld Moors – come along and put bird boxes together for next spring and make some winter feeders for our feathered friends. No need to book.

Sumer Trail – Why not come along throughout the summer school holidays and complete the Yellow route summer holiday trail on Hatfi eld Moors. Starts at Boston Park car park with all you need to take part independently.

Halloween Trail – Will be out along the Yellow route from 28 October to 3 November. Starts at Boston Park car park with all you need to take part independently.

We have a number of activity rucksacks with all you need to go bug hunting or pond dipping as a family on Hatfi eld Moors. Hire is free with a deposit refundable upon return. All packs contain full instructions and a map of the reserve where activities can be applied

Walking for Health Guided WalksEvery fi rst and third Weds of the month 9.30am – Hatfi eld Health Walks – varying lengths meeting at the Boston Park car park. No need to book.Budding artists show off their pictures at the 2018 event

Halloween fun at Hatfield Moors © Janet Canning

All events are free but donations welcome. Unless stated otherwise, all Hatfi eld events are to meet at Boston Park car park, DN7 6BF and all Thorne events are to meet at Recreation Ground car park, Moorends – end of Grange Road DN8 4NA

www.humberheadpeatlands.org.uk

How do I get to Humberhead Peatlands NNR?The closest towns to the NNR are Goole, Thorne, Doncaster, Scunthorpe, Crowle and Hatfi eld.

By public transportRail stations – Thorne North and South. Contact South Yorkshire Transport on 01709 515151.

Moorends is served by bus from Thorne. Contact Doncaster Tourist Information on 01302 734309.

Crowle is served by rail and bus. Contact Brigg Tourist Information on 01652 657053.

Hatfi eld Woodhouse and Wroot villages are served by a limited bus service.

River Don

Humberhead Peatlands

NNR

Thorne Crowle

Epworth

Hatfield

Stainforth

Armthorpe

M180

M18

0 5km

Moorends

River

Torn

e

Stainforth & Keadby Canal

New

Junc

tion

Cana

l

A18

A614

A614A18

A161

A161

Thorne Moors

Hatfield Moors

Crown copyright and database right 2010.Natural England OS licence no. 100022021c

To receive future issues of Moor Space contact us at moorspace@yahoo.com

How do I contribute to Moor Space?We’d like you to tell us what you think – your con-cerns and also what you enjoy about the Moors so we can focus on the right subjects in each issue and seek out the most useful information for you the reader. We welcome other points of view, providing they are constructive and supported by facts.

Contact as above marking for the attention of the Moor Space Editor.

Follow the Humberhead Peatlands National Nature Reserve on http://www.facebook.com/humberheadpeatlands

Hatfi eld Woodhouse and Wroot villages are served by a limited bus service.

Follow the Humberhead Peatlands National Nature Reserve

To receive future issues of Moor Space contact us at moorspace@yahoo.com

How do I contribute to Moor Space?We’d like you to tell us what you think – your con-

Hatfi eld Woodhouse and Wroot villages are served by a limited bus service.

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Moor Space is produced and edited by a Steering Group who can be contacted at moorspace@yahoo.com

The Steering Group includes representatives of the following organisations:

North Lincolnshire Council – Own and manage land on Crowle Moors and maintain access to this and other land nearby. Contact: 01724 729000 ✻ environmenteam@northlincs.gov.uk

Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council – Publicises access to and around the Moors. Contact: 01302 736000 ✻ publicrightsofway@doncaster.gov.uk

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust – Owns land on Crowle Moors and manages it as a Nature Reserve. Contact: 01507 526667 ✻ info@lincstrust.co.uk

Natural England – Natural England owns land on Thorne Moors, Goole Moors and Hatfield Moors. It is all part of the Humberhead Peatlands National Nature Reserve. Contact Senior Reserve Manager: 07827 280405. www.gov.uk/natural-england

Thorne & Hatfield Moors Conservation Forum – Prioritises science and publishes research, see website for list of publications. It also campaigns on issues affecting the conservation of the Moors. www.thmcf.org and see also thmcf.wordpress.com Contact: execsec@thmcf.org

Restoring the Humberhead Peatlands – LIFE+ Project (LIFE13NAT/UK/000451) – Funding from the European Union’s Biodiversity and Nature Programme (EU LIFE+), Doncaster East Internal Drainage Board and Natural England is helping the restoration of lowland raised mires of Thorne and Hatfield Moors Contact: Humberhead.Peatlands@naturalengland.org.uk

Contacts

FRONT COVER IMAGES: Large heath butterfly © Steve Hiner Left – Dragonbacks Pond © Janet Canning, Right – Evening view across old milled peat fields at Hatfield Moors © Janet Canning