Barnsley Biodiversity Action Plan. CONSULTATION DRAFT 2023 - FOR COMMENT

 Biodiversity

 Action

 Plan

Good practice

Legal protection

The blanket bog in the Peak District is protected within the Dark Peak SSSI which also forms part of the South Pennine Moors SPA and SAC).


National policies have a presumption against clearance of blanket bog for other land uses and development.


Sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) are protected by law in order to conserve their habitats and wildlife.


All the blanket bog outside the SSSI is within a Local Wildlife Site (LWS).


LWS have a presumption against development and change of use but have no legal protection against operations that do not require planning consent.


The Defra Ecological Impact Assessment (EcIA) Regulations may apply.


Activities on blanket bog where protected species are present may involve offences being committed under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981. Protected species include all breeding birds. Licences may be needed from Natural England.

Conservation. Although the quality of the blanket bog habitat has suffered significantly -there are substantial areas of drying out and eroding moor- there is potential for restoration and conservation.


Factors causing loss or decline

Natural England:
Restoration of blanket bog strategy

RSPB
Grip blocking

Buglife
Habitat management

Links

Moors for the Future:
Blanket Bog Land Management

Moors for the Future guidance Overgrazed blanket bog Blanket Bog with eroding peat

 Blanket Bog Conservation