WINEP case study: South West Water (AMP7) Ex.2

Increasing biodiversity through wetland restoration and woodland creation at Park Pit, Bodmin Moor

South West Water have carried out several improvement measures at Park Pit to enhance biodiversity. Park Pit which was previously worked and mined for clay and tin was sold to South West Water in 2007 and then flooded to provide a drinking water resource. Since taking the site over, alongside working groups, South West Water has managed the adjacent land for biodiversity. Previous restoration work established key priority habitats on the site, with wetland, heathland, woodland and open water now effectively restored as functioning habitats.Results of peatland restoration works on Bodmin Moor, comparing the site in October 2023 and April 2024

During the AMP7 management period additional measures were carried out. Wetland function was restored to an area of peatland to the north-west of the site by the South West Peatland Partnership. Heathland management and willow coppicing were also carried out in the restored wetland area, in accordance with a recommendation by the Park and Stannon management groups. Non-native tree species were felled and replaced with appropriate natives with 14.55 ha of woodland achieved. Innovative techniques like horse logging were used to remove non-native conifers. An eel passage was created under the access road in the form of a stone ramp and spat rope.

Bird and invertebrate surveys commissioned by South West Water suggest that the measures have resulted in increased biodiversity. The diversity of bird species at Park increased by 57% and at Stannon by 40%. 255 species of invertebrate were recorded including 28 species that are of conservation concern.

Significant funding for the management of the site came from the WINEP programme. The work was supported by the stakeholder group made up of Natural England, Forestry Commission, Environment Agency, Fowey Rivers Association, Liskeard Angling Association, English Heritage, Cornwall Council and Cornwall AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The Environment Agency provided advice on wetland restoration, eel and fishery management and invasive management principles as part of the stakeholder group.

The site provides a key water resource for public supply and is an exemplar of sustainable development through the delivery of ecosystem benefits. Such sites are becoming increasingly important for climate resilience to wetter winters and drier summers, providing public water supply and enhancing local biodiversity.

Park horse logging- removal of non-native conifers


Stannon drone seeding trials for temperate rainforest establishment, with the Woodland Trust

Species highlights: Dartford Warbler, devil’s bit scabious, bloody nose beetle, bog asphodel, harvest mouse nest, marsh clubmoss.