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As a natural consequence of installation operations there will be some unavoidable disturbance to the habitat. However, recovery of heathland on such an exposed site can be a lengthy process. To mitigate against the impact of operations EcoSeeds is currently working in partnership with RES and ESB to conduct experimental trials to determine whether the restoration process of heather can be accelerated. |
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Soil and substrate analysis of the trial site was conducted and a full project report was provided. Having received appropriate consents our low-impact ‘Brush Harvester’ was used to collect seed from the vegetation present on the site along with collection of ‘brash’ from beneath the plants. |
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The harvested seed was processed at our nursery - some seed was used to grow potted Common and Bell heather plants. The trial beds where then sown in the spring of 2010 with the brush harvested seed and a range of different experimental variables including the potted plants. |
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Although the experiment is in the initial stages we have been very encouraged by the progress so far and hope that the results of this trial will inform future mitigation work on similar sites. Additionally, it is hoped that we will be able to use similar techniques in other areas where restoration or regeneration is required e.g. where damage has occurred to heathland as a result of fire, on protected grassland habitats, etc. |
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| Heather seedlings germinatePotted heather species establish |
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| For more information on our research work and the techniques used above please see our ‘Specialised Services’ page. Back to Case Studies |
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