From wetland creation to conservation grazing - discover how Catherine Hatch is improving and enhancing habitats in Fryup Dale thanks to the Defra-funded Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme.
Catherine’s aim was to work with the FiPL team to ‘enhance my land for conservation.’
This project focused on the creation of a wetland in a poorly drained field with low agricultural use. Three scrapes were created of varying depths, providing new habitat for invertebrates, amphibians and wading birds. An existing oxbow pond was also restored. Creating scrapes and restoring the pond will help slow the flow of water through the dale and so reduce flood risk. There are also a number of existing ponds and so this will help improve the pond network across the valley.
The plan is to manage the land through conservation grazing by native cattle, which provides the right conditions for regeneration of wildflowers and scrub. Watering points for the cattle using field drains were also installed, as well as additional watering points in the hay meadows to support further conservation grazing. As the area is only lightly grazed, the sediment and pollution risk are very low.
Locals and visitors to the dale also benefit from this work, as a footpath which runs through the area was improved. Walkers can now enjoy the range of wildlife habitats.
“Working in partnership with the National Park FiPL team was a very positive experience and it has been great to show many people around the wetland with some even interested in developing a similar habitat.” - Catherine Hatch
Management Plan
This projects supports the following management plan objectives:
Objective 2: Capture and store carbon by creating at least 2,500 hectares of additional wooded habitat by 2032.
Objective 4: Protect, restore and improve soils across the National Park.
Objective 5: Achieve good ecological status for all water bodies by 2027 and support the improvement of the marine and coastal habitat.
Objective 6: Create bigger, better and more joined-up habitats, with nature-rich wildlife corridors extending beyond the National Park boundaries.
Objective 7: Restore wilder and more naturally functioning ecosystems on at least 2,000 hectares in the National Park.