1

LIFE 13 BIO/UK/000428 EcoCo LIFE Dalmellington Moss: EcoCoLife monitoring Impact Report (Action D.1.)

CONTENTS

1. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………….2

2. Background .................................................................................................................... 2

3. Monitoring ...................................................................................................................... 5

3.1.Hydrology ............................................................................................................. 7

3.2.Vegetation ............................................................................................................ 9

3.3.Peat depth data ...................................................................................................14

3.4.Species data ............................................................ .………………………………16

4. Future monitoring ..........................................................................................................21

5. References………………………………………………………………………………………21

6. Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................22

7. Annex 1……………………………………………...…………………………………………..23

Dalmellington Moss Wildlife Reserve entrance

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1 Introduction

This report summarises the results of monitoring at EACEI’s bog enhancement site at

Dalmellington Moss Wildlife Reserve between 2014 and 2018.

Dalmellington Moss Wildlife Reserve is a raised bog, which is a rain-fed peatland habitat. The site is a Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) wildlife reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), notified as such for its lowland raised bog habitat. The bog is home to an array of specialist plants and animals, such as the carnivorous sundew and rare bog rosemary, but is currently in unfavourable condition due to past damage to the site that has caused it to dry out. Dalmellington Moss is 28.5 hectares of raised bog surrounded by marsh, grassland and willow carr within the River Doon valley. The site is situated just west of the village of Dalmellington in East Ayrshire and is owned by SWT, who manage it as a wildlife reserve. Along the northern boundary runs the A713 Ayr-Dalmellington road, and to the south is the Cumnock burn, which flows into Muck Water and then the River Doon. To the south of the raised bog is “Sillyhole Moss”, an area of valley mire including willow/birch carr and lagg fen. Dalmellington Moss is home to specialist bog plants including a good assemblage of Sphagnum mosses, the principle peat-forming plant. There is also cranberry, bog rosemary, bog asphodel and bog myrtle as well as heathers and grasses. In areas where the site has seen significant drying, purple moor grass is dominant. Invertebrates are of special interest and include a number of scarce moths, beetles and spiders, and the locally rare large heath butterfly. 50 years ago, an extensive network of drainage ditches were cut across Dalmellington Moss. This has resulted in drying, which has led to dense heather and reduced Sphagnum cover. There is also encroachment of birch and burning has been a past issue. Previous attempts to restore the bog include installing forty plastic-coated metal sheet dams in 1994-5, 16 monitoring dipwells in 1995, and four plastic piling dams in 2005. The dipwells indicate that the damming did raise the water table, but not throughout the site. A hydrological survey in 2013 revealed that the ditches were having a significant effect on the bog, and proposed a number of measures to slow water loss and raise water levels. These recommendations were taken forward by EACEI and SWT to be carried out in 2014-15.

2 Background

Since the EcoCoLife project began in September 2014, there have been two phases of peatland enhancement at Dalmellington Moss Wildlife Reserve. Phase 1 was NOT funded by EcoCoLife (Table 1) but the details of the work have been included in this report to provide context for the 2nd Phase (Table 2), which was funded by EcoCoLife.

Table 1: Phase 1 (2015): Trench bund and peat dam installation (not funded through

EcoCoLife)

Start of

contract:

27th January 2015 Completion

date:

13th February 2015

Contract value: £10,500 (inc. VAT) Contractor: Conservefor Ltd

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Re-wetting work was carried out in early 2015 by Conservefor Ltd. Using a low-ground

pressure excavator to minimise damage to the sensitive bog surface, the operator

constructed a 1.1km trench bund along the northern boundary to slow water loss via the

deep roadside ditch. The trench bund was dug to 1.5 metres, raised above the ground by

30cm and topped with vegetation to prevent the peat from eroding. The contractors also

repaired existing plastic piling dams (installed 2005) by pushing them deeper into the ditch

and topping them with wide peat dams. They also cleared a 30m section of ditch at the north-

west corner of the site. Scrub removal, including herbicide treatment of the stumps, was

undertaken by Scottish Wildlife Trust staff and a group of volunteers.

Installation of hydrological monitoring equipment

In 2015 EACEI installed a network of dipwells and automatic data loggers that will enable

EACEI and Scottish Wildlife Trust to carry out ongoing monitoring of the site’s hydrology and

will continue to survey fixed vegetation quadrats on an annual basis. Analysis of the

hydrological monitoring data has shown that the water table is high and stabilising across the

bog, particularly behind the new trench bunds (Pendleton Hydro Ltd, 2016). However, the

newly installed peat dams in a large ditch were found not to be working as intended. In

particular, one of the four peat dams was found to retain water for less time that the other

dams following a period of rainfall. Without addressing this problem, it is likely that the areas

close to the ditch would have continued to be effected by water loss and result in further

drying of the peat. To come up with a solution for the leak, Project Manager Daisy invited a

group of experts to visit Dalmellington Moss for a problem-solving workshop – see here.

Table 2: Phase 2 (2017): Installation of 12 peat dams and extension of 4 existing peat dams

(funded by EcoCoLife)

In February 2017, EACEI contracted Openspace (Cumbria) Ltd. to extend the existing peat

dams up the sides of the C4 ditch to hold back water more securely, adding a further 4 dams

in the ditch and installing 8 dams in an adjacent ditch (C3) that hadn’t yet been dammed.

Below the new ditch, contractors discovered a track buried beneath the bog that extended

into the centre of the bog that can be seen on historical maps. A total of 12 new dams and

four improved dams were installed at the site.

Start of contract: 2nd February 2017 Completion

date:

1st March 2017

Contract value: £7,165.50 (inc. VAT) Contractor: Openspace (Cumbria)

Ltd.

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Enhancement interventions:

1. Repair of peat / plastic dam 4 (PP4)

PP4 in ditch C3 is leaking via large subsurface crack in the ditch margin, water is

finding its way back in the ditch downstream of PP4. Key into sides of PP4 and

extend peat dam up slopes of the ditch margin - create subsurface peat bund

using wet putty peat. See

Figure 1.

4

extended

peat

dams

2. Install large peat dams

Install peat dams in ditches C3 and C4. See 12 peat

dams

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Figure 2.

Figure 1: Extended peat dam to repair faulty peat/plastic piling dam in ditch C4

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Figure 2: New peat dam installed in ditch C3

3 Monitoring The three stages specified in the monitoring process are as follows:

1. Baseline monitoring – carried out prior to enhancement activities.

2. Initial monitoring period – following completion of works, carried out within the EcoCo

LIFE project timescale to identify any short-term changes.

3. Long-term monitoring – ongoing monitoring to be carried out at 3, 5, 10 year intervals to

measure long-term changes.

Table 3 describes the monitoring methodology.

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Monitoring

tool Water level monitoring

Vegetation

monitoring Peat depth

Fixed point

photography Species surveys

Indicator of Ecological functionality Ecological

functionality Structure Structure

Species of

conservation

importance

Target High, stable water table, close to

the surface of the bog

Stable or increasing

populations of positive

bog indicator species,

particularly relevant

sphagna. Few or

decreasing populations

of negative indicator

species

A long-term

monitoring system in

place which will allow

peat depths to be

compared at suitable

intervals

Each site exhibits the full

range of structural

features which should be

expected for a functioning

bog. Interventions carried

out through the project

(e.g. dams, bunds etc.)

are demonstrated to be

functioning

relevant species

surveys carried out to

assess how particular

species not captured

through ongoing

condition monitoring

are responding to

restoration

Rationale

Through the project actions, we

are hoping to demonstrate an

improvement in the hydrology of

sites through this measure. Bogs

with a high, stable water table,

function hydrologically and this is

therefore a good indicator of

coherence at the site level.

Bogs in good condition

or that are progressing

towards good condition

exhibit a range of

indicator species which

allow condition to be

assessed

Long-term measure,

and as such,

meaningful trends

will not be captured

as part of the EcoCo

project. However,

this action, which will

ensure that

monitoring methods

are developed and

instigated, will ensure

the long-term

monitoring of this

important indicator of

coherence for peat

sites

This measure will enable

the physical condition of

each bog to be measured.

It will allow changes to be

recorded, and will allow

the success of

interventions to be

assessed. It is also a

straightforward technique

which could be carried out

by volunteers during and

after the project

Whilst some of these

species may not be

indicators of improved

habitat condition, their

importance in a

regional, national or

international context

merits their inclusion in

project monitoring

where resources allow.

Site managers should

be aware of the

location and status of

these species to ensure

that restoration does

not adversely affect

them

Method

Pairs of dipwells installed

adjacent to each vegetation

monitoring quadrat location (but

sufficiently far away to avoid

interference), one in close

proximity to drainage ditch (less

than 2m), one 5m from ditch.

Single dipwells installed at

control quadrats. Additional

ditches and control locations can

be added if resources allow.

Dipwells should be on ‘flat’

ground, avoiding significant

hummocks/hollows. Dipwells

are monitored manually to

identify depth of water surface

below ground level.

6 fixed quadrats

installed at locations

representative of

conditions across the

site. Presence and

coverage of trees,

shrub, bryophytes and

vascular plants

recorded via field

survey. Also recording

basic micro-topography

(i.e. presence of

hummocks and/or

pools).

Peat depths

measured on a grid

(with maximum grid

squares of

100x100m), and

additionally adjacent

to each

quadrat/dipwell

location using a peat

depth probe.

Assessment of damage

from drainage, peat

cutting, burning and

grazing, within and in

close proximity (<5m) of

each quadrat location, via

field survey. Random of

dams selected from

enhancement works.

Water level below ground

level at face of dam is

recorded. Dams also

inspected for damage.

Targeted species

surveys for Large

heath, beetles and

spiders to be carried

out where appropriate

(see detailed

guidance). Ad hoc

recording to be carried

out on site walkovers

and at events.

Specimens to be

removed from the field

if identification requires

microscope/keys.

Photographs of

specimens to be taken

where possible.

Frequency

Monthly survey if possible, or at

least quarterly. Comparative

annual data at 3, 5 or 10 year

interval.

Annual survey, June-

Sept (July-August

preferred).

Comparative surveys at

3, 5 or 10 year interval,

at same time of year,

i.e. June-Sept (July-

August preferred).

Single survey

completed in

baseline period and

repeated in initial

monitoring period at

same time of year.

Comparative surveys

carried out at 3, 5 or

10 year intervals.

Annual survey (with

vegetation quadrat

survey). Comparative

survey at 3, 5 or 10 year

interval (with vegetation

quadrat survey)

Annually for butterfly

transects, etc.

Requirements

100cm plumbing pipes with

regularly drilled small holes

Round pole (1.5m+) to make

initial hole

Cans/jars to cover ends

GPS device

Tape measure / “plumb-bob”

measure

Posts to mark quadrat

corners

Tape measure

Mallet

String

GPS device

Plant ID guides

Hand lens

Sample pots/packets

Metal detector for

locating quadrats

Peat depth probe

GPS device

As vegetation quadrat

survey

Sampling nets

(butterfly, sweep, pond)

Specimen pots

Alcohol for preserving

invertebrates

Bugvac

Identification keys and

guides

Microscopes

Hand lenses

Moth traps, generator,

batteries

GPS device

Recording sheets

Table 3: EcoCo LIFE peatland monitoring plan minimum requirements

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3.1 Hydrology A transect of 16 dipwells was installed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust in 1995. In July 2015 an

additional 10 dipwells were added to the network; a rain gauge was installed; and 4 of the

original 16 dipwells were lapsed from the network (still in position and have been

occasionally surveyed). The location of dipwells is shown in Figure 3.

The dipwell network consists of four transects:

East-West transect: dipwells 1 to 17

North-South transect (centre): dipwells 20, 21, 5 and 22

North-South transect (west): 18, 14 and 19

Dam monitoring transect: dipwells 23 to D6

Detailed information on the hydrology of Dalmellington Moss Wildlife Reserve, including an

analysis of the hydrological data collected between 1995 and 2016, can be found in the

Dalmellington Moss Wildlife Reserve hydrological survey report by Pendleton Hydro Ltd.

(2016).

Dalmellington Moss Wildlife Reserve water levels were surveyed manually on 11 occasions

between July 2015 and March 2017 and the results are presented below in Table 4.

Figure 3: Map showing locations of fixed monitoring points at Dalmellington Moss Wildlife

Reserve Wildlife Reserve

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Table 4: Dalmellington Moss Wildlife Reserve dipwell monitoring results

Visit: 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11 D

IP

NO

.

24

/0

7/2

0

15

chan ge

28

/0

8/2

0

15

chan ge

16

/0

9/2

0

15

chan ge

29

/1

0/2

0

15

chan ge

24

/1

1/2

0

15

chan ge

18

/1

2/2

0

15

chan ge

02

/0

3/2

0

16

chan ge

24

/0

3/2

0

16

chan ge

02

/1

1/2

0

16

chan ge

06

/0

2/2

0

17

chan ge

15

/0

8/2

0

17

1 11.50 -0.50 12.00 -2.60 14.60 -0.40 15.00 6.50 8.50 -1.50 10.00 4.00 6.00 -4.00 10.00 -3.00 13.00 6.00 7.00 8.40 -1.40

2 9.50 -2.50 12.00 -2.40 14.40 3.40 11.00 11.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -1.50 1.50 -11.50 13.00 7.00 6.00

3 9.00 2.00 7.00 -5.50 12.50 7.50 5.00 5.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

4 13.00 -1.00 14.00 -6.80 20.80 13.80 7.00 1.00 6.00 -3.00 9.00 9.00

10.00 -8.00 18.00 6.00 12.00 10.40 1.60

5 9.00 -1.50 10.50 -9.30 19.80 14.80 5.00 4.50 0.50 -3.00 3.50 3.50 9.00 -4.50 13.50 8.50 5.00 1.50 3.50

6 16.00 8.00 8.00 -7.10 15.10 2.10 13.00 1.00 12.00 0.00 12.00 6.00 6.00 -4.00 10.00 -5.00 15.00 4.00 11.00 1.70 9.30

7 11.00 2.00 9.00 -13.00 22.00 16.00 6.00 2.00 4.00 -2.50 6.50 6.50 4.00 -5.50 9.50 9.50 0.00

7a 13.00 -2.00 15.00 -11.00 26.00 18.50 7.50 2.80 4.70 -2.90 7.60 -0.90 8.50 -0.50 9.00 -17.00 26.00 15.00 11.00 9.10 1.90

8 15.00 4.00 11.00 -2.50 13.50 11.50 2.00 2.00 0.00 -1.30 1.30 2.30 -1.00 -3.00 2.00 -0.50 2.50 1.50 1.00 1.00 0.00

9 16.00

9.00 4.00 5.00 1.20 3.80

10 19.00 13.00 3.00 10.00 -1.10 11.10

11 14.00 -6.00 20.00 -4.00 24.00 13.00 11.00 2.00 9.00 1.00 8.00 -6.50 14.50 3.50 11.00 -5.00 16.00 2.00 14.00 2.90 11.10

12 15.00

15.00 4.00 11.00 -0.60 11.60

13 13.00 16.50 7.50 9.00 5.00 4.00

14 22.00 8.00 14.00 -5.00 19.00 4.00 15.00 6.80 8.20 1.10 7.10 -0.90 8.00 1.00 7.00 -6.00 13.00 5.00 8.00 1.70 6.30

15 16.00 -8.00 24.00 -3.00 27.00 4.00 23.00 4.80 18.20 1.40 16.80 7.30 9.50 -2.50 12.00 -6.50 18.50 0.50 18.00 1.50 16.50

16 12.00 4.00 8.00 -14.00 22.00 11.00 11.00 3.50 7.50 1.50 6.00 0.00 6.00 1.00 5.00 -6.50 11.50 6.50 5.00 -0.20 5.20

17 5.00 -7.00 12.00 -3.50 15.50 5.50 10.00 5.20 4.80 2.70 2.10 -3.40 5.50 -1.50 7.00 -4.50 11.50 6.50 5.00 2.50 2.50

18 10.00 5.00 5.00 -5.00 10.00 10.00 0.00 -5.50 5.50 3.00 2.50 4.00 -1.50 -6.50 5.00 3.50 1.50 0.50 1.00 1.00

19 10.00 1.00 9.00 -1.00 10.00 4.00 6.00 4.80 1.20 -1.80 3.00 2.50 0.50 -6.50 7.00 -3.00 10.00 9.00 1.00 1.00

20 0.00 -9.50 9.50 2.50 7.00 2.00 5.00 -1.00 6.00 2.00 4.00 0.50 3.50 -2.50 6.00 -4.00 10.00 4.00 6.00 6.00

21 11.00 8.00 3.00 -11.00 14.00 12.00 2.00 2.00 0.00 1.00 -1.00 -1.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -6.00 6.00 9.00 -3.00 -3.00

22 5.00 -3.50 8.50 -9.50 18.00 13.00 5.00 -0.50 5.50 -3.00 8.50 5.50 3.00 -5.00 8.00 -2.00 10.00 4.00 6.00 6.00

23 1.00 1.00 0.00 -1.00 1.00 10.00 -9.00 -9.00 -6.00 -1.00 -5.00 2.00 -7.00 -10.00 3.00 12.00 -9.00 -9.00

24 0.00 0.00 0.00 -3.00 3.00 12.00 -9.00 5.00 -14.00 -2.50 -11.50 0.00 -11.50 -7.50 -4.00 -5.00 1.00 9.00 -8.00 -8.00

25 3.00 3.00 0.00 -2.00 2.00 4.00 -2.00 4.50 -6.50 -0.50 -6.00 5.00 -11.00 -11.00 0.00 -0.50 0.50 10.50 -10.00 -10.00

26 0.00 0.00 0.00 -10.00 10.00 11.00 -1.00 -1.00 0.00 -1.50 1.50 3.50 -2.00 -4.00 2.00 -4.00 6.00 3.00 3.00 3.00

Ave. Change 0.20 -5.64 8.81 2.50 -0.45 2.00 -2.63 -4.98 5.83 1.33

Water level

change Water level

po

sit

ive

10.5 - 15.0 <10

5.5 - 10 10.5 - 20.0

0.5 - 5.0 20.5 - 30.0

Change 0.00 30.5+

ne

ga

tiv

e

-0.5 - 5.0

-5.5 - 10

10

3.2 Vegetation Baseline vegetation monitoring was carried out at Dalmellington Moss Wildlife Reserve in July 2014

at 8 quadrat locations. An extra quadrat was added in 2015 and the 9 quadrats were monitored

annually until July 2017. Table 5 summarises the baseline quadrat information, including location

and a description of the habitat and vegetation within and surrounding each quadrat.

Quadrat Monitoring

type

Grid

reference

Baseline description

Q1 Near ditch NS 46863

06332

Little plant diversity. Dense Molinia dominant with bog myrtle scrub up to 1m height.

Q2 NS 46816

06338

Mix of bog indicators including sphagnum, herbs and shrubs with some Molinia. Average vegetation height approx. 30cm, up to 40cm max. Gentle hummocks.

Q3 Near ditch NS 46847

06354

Molina dominated with some sphagnum, bog myrtle and very few

bog indicator herbs. Average vegetation height approx. 50cm. 3

apparent channels (overgrown) within 5m of the ditch, but could not

be confirmed as ditches.

Q4 NS 46558

06397

Good bog species composition including large sphagnum, deer grass

and other indicator herbs. Significant heather coverage. Average

vegetation height – 20cm.

Q5 NS 46360

06428

Some sphagnum, good mix of bog indicators in the herb layer. Relatively flat with gentle hummocks. Average height of vegetation approx. 30cm.

Q6 NS 46493

06524

Molina dominated with some bog myrtle. Quadrat situated next to a

large roadside ditch (overgrown). There is a line of trees running

alongside the ditch, although only the two trees noted above were

within 5m of the quadrat. Average vegetation height approx. 60-

70cm.

Q7 Near

roadside

ditch

NS 46501

06509

A series of deep, linear hollows (overgrown) within 5m of the quadrat

– possibly a ditch but unable to confirm. Hypnum and Polytricum

moss species were dominant, with approx. 20-30% of the quadrat

was substantially dried out. Average vegetation height approx. 25-

30cm.

Q8 NS 46738

06281

Good mix of bog indicators including high sphagnum coverage. 10m

from a small patch of birch (1-3m tall). Located near the peak of the

dome of the bog. Average vegetation height approx. 30cm. 1 small

patch of bare peat within 5m, approx. 30x30cm. 1 sheep dropping

found within 5m of quadrat.

Q9* NS 46318

06454

Mix of bog indicator herbs, gentle hummocks of small sphagnum and

shrubs. Small patch of bare peat within 5m.

Table 5: Quadrat information from baseline survey in July 2014 (*quadrat 9 added in 2015)

11

Bryophyte layer

Percentage cover of bryophytes was estimated during each survey. Bryophytes were classified as

one of three types; ‘small Sphagnum spp.’ are defined as any Sphagnum not belonging to section

Sphagnum, e.g. S. capillifolium; ‘large Sphagnum spp.’ are those belonging to section Sphagnum,

e.g. S. papillosum; ‘other moss’ include non-Sphagnum mosses, e.g. pleurocarpus / acrocarpous

mosses and liverworts.

In 2014, sphagna made up 46% of the bryophyte layer with the majority of this made up of small

Sphagnum spp. The composition of the bryophyte layer fluctuated in subsequent years and was

estimated at 43% in the most recent survey in 2017 (Table 6). Quadrat 9 was added in 2015 and

therefore not included in these overall comparisons.

Sphagnum cover varied greatly between quadrats as shown in figure 4 and varied between years,

sometimes considerably; figure 5 shows the average cover (+standard deviation) for each quadrat

across the survey period. Q1 and Q7 had the least sphagnum, with average values of 0.5% and

1.5% cover respectively. Q2 was also very low in sphagnum with an average 5% cover. Q3 and Q5

had 10.5% and 14.5% average sphagnum cover respectively. Q4, Q8 and Q9 had the greatest

sphagnum coverage, all with over 50% cover on average.

Estimating cover is a subjective measure and since different surveyors recorded the data it is

accepted that there will be a degree of observer bias. Also the relatively short monitoring period

(only 4 years) makes it difficult to draw conclusions about the change of sphagnum cover within

each quadrat. It is however fairly apparent that the amount of sphagnum found in any given quadrat

could be related its position on the site, i.e. those located to the side of ditches tended to be dry and

supported little sphagnum as expected.

Table 6: Overall changes in bryophyte layer composition between 2014 and 2017. This includes quadrats 1-8 only as quadrat 9 was added in 2015.

Bryophyte layer Proportion of bryophyte layer (%) Overall change

% increase/decrease/no

change 2014 2015 2016 2017

Small Sphagnum spp. 46 59 49 42

Large Sphagnum spp. 0 1 0 2

Total Sphagnum spp. 46 60 49 43 3% decrease

Other moss

(trailing/upright)

54 40 51 57 3% increase

12

Figure 4: Percentage ground cover of Sphagnum spp and other mosses within vegetation quadrats from 2014-2017. Quadrat 9 was added in 2015.

Figure 5: Mean cover of Sphagnum (+ standard deviation) in each quadrat during 2014-2017 (2015-2018 for Q9)

0

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Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 Q8 Q9

Perc

enta

ge c

ove

r

Sphagnum spp Other moss (trailing/upright)

0

10

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60

70

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100

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 Q6 Q7 Q8 Q9

Mea

n c

ove

r (+

SD)

Quadrat

13

Herb layer

There has been an overall increase of 5% in positive indicators within the herb layer across the 9

quadrats at Dalmellington Moss Wildlife Reserve. Purple moorgrass Molinia caerulea has

decreased by 5% overall but remains dominant in Q1, Q3 and Q6, and constitutes almost a third of

Q7 (Table 7 & Fig. 6).

Herb layer species 2014 2017 Observed changes

Bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia) 1 2 +1%

Bog asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum) 16 20 +4%

Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccus) 1 1 No change

Hare’s-tail cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum) 6 9 +3%

Deergrass (Trichophorum cespitosum) 20 18 -2%

Sundew (Drosera spp.) 1 1 No change

Crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) 0 0 No change

Common cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium) 4 3 -1%

Non-crustose lichens 0 0 No change

Wavy hair grass (Deschampsia flexuosa) 0 0 No change

Tormentil (Potentilla erecta) 0 0 No change

Purple moorgrass (Molinia caerulea) 50 45 -5%

Table 7: Overall changes in percentage cover of species within herb layer between 2014 and 2017.

Figure 6: Percentage ground cover of herb layer species within vegetation quadrats from 2014-2017. Quadrat 9 was added in 2015.

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Bog rosemary Bog asphodel Cranberry

Hare’s-tail cottongrass Deergrass Sundew

Crowberry Common cottongrass Non-crustose lichens

14

Shrub layer

The overall changes in the shrub layer across the site between 2014 and 2017 were minimal; an

overall 3% decrease in cover of bog Myrtle Myrica gale, a 3% increase in cross-leaved heath Erica

tetralix and no change in cover of ling heather Calluna vulgaris was recorded (Table 8). However

there were distinct differences in shrub layer composition and cover between quadrats, and

generally shrub composition within each quadrat changed very little (figure 7). Q1 had by far the

highest Myrica gale cover (an no other shrub species) although this declined over the study period

from 80% in 2014 to 50% in 2017. Q3 and Q6 had shrub layers dominated by Myrica gale,

exclusively so in Q6. A mix of Myrica gale, Erica tetralix and Calluna vulgaris was present in each of

the following quadrats: Q2, Q4, Q5, Q7, Q8 and Q9.

Shrub layer species 2014 2017 Observed changes

Bog myrtle Myrica gale 59 56 -3%

Cross-leaved heath Erica tetralix 11 14 +3%

Ling heather Calluna vulgaris 30 30 No change

Table 8: Overall changes in percentage cover of species within shrub layer between 2014 and 2017

Figure 7: Percentage ground cover of shrub layer species within vegetation quadrats from 2014-2017. Quadrat 9 was added in 2015.

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Bog myrtle (Myrica gale) Cross-leaved heath (Erica tetralix) Ling heather (Calluna vulgaris)

15

3.3 Peat depth data A peat depth survey of Dalmellington Moss was carried out by Openspace (Cumbria) Ltd. in

December 2013. The following information is taken by the report by Openspace (Cumbria) Ltd.

(2014).

Peat depth was recorded at 11 locations across the Moss. A Vanwalt Russian peat corer was used

to determine the depth of the peat. The peat corer was a standard soil corer with a sampling end of

1m. Additional 1m poles could be added with connectors to extend the sampling depth. On hitting a

resistance a core was taken and brought up for analysis. Before doing this a measurement in cm

was taken from the peat surface to the top of the handle. The core brought up was examined to

identify the substrate and a measurement taken of the non-peat substrate. At each location the

average peat depth was calculated and the location noted on the field map with a GPS reading.

The field results from the peat depth survey have identified the location where peat occurred. The

maximum depth of 4.9m was recorded at two locations which generally correlated to the centre of

the site. The peat depths reduced towards the rivers with a transition from the centre of the site

along the Molinia-dominated slope to the marshy grassland. No peat was recorded within the

marshy grassland/willow carr areas since the substrate was silt and clay. The clay substrate was

distinguished by fen carr and fen/marsh habitats and correlated to the river habitat zone. The peat

depth adjacent to the main road presented some deep peat with one measure of 4.8m to 3.3m. This

indicates the peat body goes under the road and forms part of one hydraulic unit with the peat

habitat the other side of the A713.

The peat results provide limited information to draw detailed conclusions but the peat bog is located

over a narrow linear hollow. The river habitat has provided a natural barrier to the south with the

northern boundary restricted by the mineral ridge. Peat depths are displayed in Table 9 and a map

showing the peat depth values at Dalmellington Moss Wildlife Reserve can be seen in Figure 8.

Date surveyed Sample point Grid reference Peat depth (cm)

Dec-16 1 NS 46644 06443 370

Dec-16 2 NS 46907 06328 330

Dec-16 3 NS 47090 06225 Clay

Dec-16 4 NS 46860 06209 320

Dec-16 5 NS 46606 06341 490

Dec-16 6 NS 46588 06189 Clay

Dec-16 7 NS 46257 06250 Clay

Dec-16 8 NS 46342 06449 470

Dec-16 9 NS 46100 06450 Clay

Dec-16 10 NS 46389 06540 480

Dec-16 11 NS 46209 06447 490

Table 9: Peat depth values at Dalmellington Moss Wildlife Reserve (taken from report by

Openspace (Cumbria) Ltd., 2014)

16

Figure 8: Map showing peat depth values at Dalmellington Moss Wildlife Reserve Wildlife Reserve (taken from report by Openspace (Cumbria)

Ltd, 2014

17

3.4 Species data The following species surveys have been carried out at Dalmellington Moss Wildlife Reserve by CEI and volunteers (Table 10): Date Survey Description/outputs

6th September

2014

Spider survey 12 people came along to this identification workshop led by

Chris Catrine from Caledonian Conservation. The session had

volunteers searching for spiders on SWT Dalmellington Moss

using the new ‘bug vac’ equipment followed by an

identification session indoors using microscopes.

22nd

July 2015 Vegetation monitoring 11 volunteers came together to survey 9 fixed quadrats. Great

sundew and Four spot-chaser dragonfly were among the

many records to be made.

8th July 2016 Vegetation monitoring 5 volunteers surveyed the 9 fixed quadrats on SWT

Dalmellington Moss.

27th July 2017 Vegetation monitoring 2 volunteers surveyed the 9 fixed quadrats. An emperor moth

caterpillar was recorded.

Table 10: survey summary 294 species have been recorded by CEI at Dalmellington Moss Wildlife Reserve. A species list for

Dalmellington Moss is included in Annex 1.

18

4 Future monitoring Dalmellington Moss Wildlife Reserve is managed by Scottish Wildlife Trust. The Trust will continue to monitor the vegetation and hydrology in the future. See the Dalmellington Moss Wildlife Reserve Management Plan (Scottish Wildlife Trust, 2018) for further information. 5 References CEI - Monitoring - D.1 - SEPA - Rainfall Data East Ayrshire. SNH ref: A2880048 EACEI - Monitoring - D.1 - Dipwell monitoring BY site. SNH ref: A2880046 EcoCoLife - CEI - Dalmellington Moss July 2017. SNH ref: A2681913 EcoCoLife - CEI - Dalmellington Moss - vegetation results July 2016. SNH ref: A2681911 CEI - Monitoring - D.1 - Dalmellington Moss - Hydrological monitoring report. SNH ref: A2896027 CEI - Monitoring - D.1 - Dalmellington Moss - Data review. SNH ref: A2895825 CEI - Monitoring - D.1 - Dalmellington Moss - Monitoring network installation. SNH ref: A2896028

6 Acknowledgements

EACEI would like to thanks its partners Scottish Wildlife Trust, particularly Gill Smart, for permitting EACEI to deliver peatland enhancement work at Dalmellington Moss Wildlife Reserve and for playing an integral role in designing and progressing the enhancement plans for the site. Thanks also go to Peatland Action staff Andrew McBride, Emily Taylor and Ewan Campbell for their valuable advice. The work carried out by peatland contractors, Conservefor Ltd. and Openspace (Cumbria) Ltd. was also of a high standard. Thanks go to Ella Pendleton of Pendleton Hydro Ltd. for her assistance with the hydrological monitoring set up and data analysis. EACEI would like to give special thanks to volunteers of EACEI and Scottish Wildlife Trust for assisting with the numerous monitoring and species surveys carried out at the Reserve.

19

7 Annex 1

Dalmellington Moss Wildlife Reserve species list

Purple denotes Scottish Biodiversity Action Plan Species

Taxa Common name Latin

Amphibian Juvenile smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris

Amphibian Common frog Rana temporaria

Bird Sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Bird Sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

Bird Skylark Alauda arvensis

Bird Teal Anas crecca

Bird Mallard Anas platyrhyncus

Bird Meadow pipit Anthus pratensis

Bird Grey heron Ardea cinerea

Bird Carrion crow Corvus corone

Bird Reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

Bird Snipe Gallinago gallinago

Bird Eurasion curlew Numenius arquata

Bird Willow warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

Bird Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

Bird Song thrush Turdus philomelus

Fungi Black-foot polypore fungus Cerioporus leptocephalus

Fungi Salix Daedaleopsis confragosa

Fungi Filipendula leaf Erysiphe ulmariae

Fungi Attached Vacinium oxy leaf Exobasidium rostrupii

Fungi Salix Fuscoporia ferruginosa

Fungi Fallen Carex leaf Lachnum caricis

Fungi Juncus culm Mycena bulbosa

Fungi Salix Polyporus leptocephalus

Fungi Valerian leaf Puccinia caricina

Fungi Viola Leaf Puccinia violae

Fungi Rumex acetosa leaf Ramularia rubella

Fungi Fallen Andromeda leaf Rhytisma andromedae

Fungi Salix Stereum rugosum

Fungi Filipendula leaf Triphragmium ulmariae

Invertebrate Spectacle moth Abrostola tripartita

Invertebrate Knot grass moth Acronicta rumicis

Invertebrate Micro moth Agonopterix conterminella

Invertebrate Micro moth Agriphila straminella

Invertebrate Dotted carpet moth Alcis jubata

Invertebrate Chrysomelidae Altica sp.* probably lythri

Invertebrate Orange tip butterfly Anthocharis cardamines

Invertebrate Dark Arches moth Apamea monoglypha

Invertebrate Ringlet butterfly Aphantopus hyperatus

Invertebrate Micro moth Apotomis betuletana

Invertebrate Garden tiger moth Arctia caja

Invertebrate Micro moth Argyresthia brockeella

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Invertebrate Gold spangle moth Autographa bractea

Invertebrate Plain golden Y moth Autographa jota

Invertebrate Beautiful golden Y moth Autographa pulchrina

Invertebrate Tortrix moth Bactra lancealana

Invertebrate Weevil Barynotus moerens

Invertebrate Micro moth Batrachedra praeangusta

Invertebrate Tree bumblebee Bombus hypnorum

Invertebrate White-tailed bumblebee Bombus lucorum

Invertebrate Common wave moth Cabera exanthemata

Invertebrate Common white wave moth Cabera pusaria

Invertebrate Light emerald moth Campaea margaritaria

Invertebrate Micro moth Catoptria magaritella

Invertebrate Pearl-band grass veneer moth Catoptria margaritella

Invertebrate Micro moth Catoptria pinella

Invertebrate Haworth's minor moth Celaena haworthii

Invertebrate Dark strawberry tortix moth Celypha lacunana

Invertebrate Broom moth Ceramica pisi

Invertebrate Antler moth Cerapteryx graminis

Invertebrate Latticed heath moth Chiasmia clathrata

Invertebrate Hoverfly Chrysogaster solstitialis

Invertebrate Hoverfly Chrysogaster virescens

Invertebrate Hieroglyphic ladybird Coccinella hieroglyphica f. typica

Invertebrate Green carpet moth Colostygia pectinataria

Invertebrate Purple bar moth Cosmorhoe ocellata

Invertebrate Micro moth Crambus perella

Invertebrate Scalloped oak moth Crocallis elinguaria

Invertebrate Scirtid beetle Cyphon sp.

Invertebrate Elephant hawk-moth Deilephila elpenor

Invertebrate Burnished brass moth Diachrysia chrysitis

Invertebrate Purple clay moth Diarsia brunnea

Invertebrate Ingrailed clay moth Diarsia mendica

Invertebrate Small square spot moth Diarsia rubi

Invertebrate Common marbled carpet moth Dysstroma truncata

Invertebrate Common heath moth Emarturga atomaria

Invertebrate Spider Enoplognatha ovata

Invertebrate Bordered beauty moth Epione repandaria

Invertebrate Common carpet moth Epirrhoe alternata

Invertebrate Marmalade hoverfly Episyrphus balteatus

Invertebrate Micro moth Eucosma cana

Invertebrate Northern spinach moth Eulithis populata

Invertebrate Hoverfly Eupodes corollae

Invertebrate Drinker moth Euthrix potatoria

Invertebrate Purple-backed cabbageworm moth Evergestis pallidata

Invertebrate Barred straw moth Gandaritis pyraliata

Invertebrate Large emerald moth Geometra papilionaria

Invertebrate Yarrow plume moth Gilmeria pallidactyla

Invertebrate Double dart moth Graphiphora augur

Invertebrate Micro moth Hedya atropunctana

21

Invertebrate Water scavenger beetle Helophorus brevipalpis

Invertebrate Water scavenger beetle Helophorus flavipes

Invertebrate Micro moth Heyday pruniana

Invertebrate July highflyer moth Hydriomena furcata

Invertebrate Water beetle Hydroporus palustris

Invertebrate Marsh oblique-barred moth Hypenodes humidalis

Invertebrate Riband wave moth Idaea aversata

Invertebrate Small fan-footed wave moth Idaea biselata

Invertebrate Map-winged swift moth Korscheltellus fusconebulosa

Invertebrate Bright-line brown-eye moth Lacanobia oleracea

Invertebrate Chrysomelid beetle Luperus longicornis

Invertebrate True lover's knot moth Lycophotia porphyrea

Invertebrate Wolf spider sp. Lycosidae

Invertebrate Fox moth Macrothylacia rubi

Invertebrate Hoverfly Melanostoma mellinum

Invertebrate Common rustic agg. Moth Mesapamea secalis

Invertebrate Smoky wainscot moth Mythimna impura

Invertebrate Hoverfly Neoascia tenur

Invertebrate Carrion beetle Nicrophorus investigator

Invertebrate Large yellow underwing moth Noctua pronuba

Invertebrate Iron prominent moth Notodonta dromedarius

Invertebrate Pebble prominent moth Notodonta ziczac

Invertebrate Beautiful china-mark moth Nymphula nitidulata

Invertebrate Brimstone moth Opisthograptis luteolata

Invertebrate Weevil Orchestes fagi

Invertebrate Oblique carpet moth Orthonama vittata

Invertebrate Green pug moth Pasiphila rectangulata

Invertebrate Swallow prominent moth Pheosia tremula

Invertebrate Spiked shield bug Picromerus bidens

Invertebrate Green-veined white butterfly Pieris napi

Invertebrate Hoverfly Platycheirus occultus

Invertebrate Gold spot moth Plusia festucae

Invertebrate Lempke's gold spot moth Plusia putnami

Invertebrate Predatory fly Pogonota barbata

Invertebrate Micro moth Pyrausta purpuralis

Invertebrate Red soldier beetle Rhagonycha fulva

Invertebrate Straw dot moth Rivula sericealis

Invertebrate Emperor moth Saturnia pavonia

Invertebrate Pinion-streaked snout moth Schrankia costaestrigalis

Invertebrate Early thorn moth Selenia dentaria

Invertebrate Hoverfly Sphaerophoria spp.

Invertebrate A plume moth Stenoptilia bipunctidactyla

Invertebrate Land snail Succinea spp.

Invertebrate Giant tachinid fly Tachina grossa

Invertebrate Spider Tetragnatha extensa

Invertebrate Red admiral butterfly Vanessa atalanta

Invertebrate Welsh wales moth Venusia cambrica

Invertebrate Dotted clay moth Xestia baja

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Invertebrate Double square-spot moth Xestia triangulum

Invertebrate Crab spider Xysticus cristatus

Mammal Roe deer Capreolus capreolus

Mammal Field vole Microtus agrestis

Mammal Fox Vulpes vulpes

Plant Yarrow Achilea millefolium

Plant Sneezewort Achillea ptarmica

Plant Common bent Agrostis capillaris

Plant Bog rosemary Andromeda polyfolia

Plant Wood anemone Anemone nemorosa

Plant Wild Angelica Angelica sylvestris

Plant Cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris

Plant Michaelmas daisy Aster spp

Plant Downy birch Betula pubescens

Plant ling heather Calluna vulgaris

Plant Hedge bindweed Calystegia sepium

Plant Water sedge Carex aquatilis

Plant White Sedge Carex canescens

Plant Oval sedge Carex leporina

Plant Carnation sedge Carex panicea

Plant Bottle Sedge Carex rostrata

Plant Common knapweed Centaurea nigra

Plant Common mouse ear Cerastium fontanum

Plant Rosebay Willowherb Chamerion angustifolium

Plant Opposite leaved saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium

Plant Creeping thistle cirsium arvense

Plant Marsh thistle Cirsium palustre

Plant Cocks foot grass Dactylisglomerata

Plant Common spotted orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii

Plant Heath spotted orchid Dactylorhiza maculata

Plant Tufted hair grass Deschampsia cespitosa

Plant Great sundew Drosera anglica

Plant Oblong-leaved sundew Drosera intermedia

Plant Common sundew Drosera rotundifolia

Plant Round leaved sundew Drosera rotundifolia

Plant Male fern Dryopteris filix-mas

Plant Great willowherb Epilobium hirsutum

Plant Marsh willowherb Epilobium palustre

Plant Field horsetail Equestrium arvense

Plant water horsetail Equisetum fluviatile

Plant Cross-leaved Heath Erica tetralix

Plant Common cottongrass Eriphorum angustifolium

Plant Hare's-tail cottongrass Eriphorum vaginatum

Plant meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria

Plant Common hemp-nettle Galeopsis tetrahit

Plant Cleavers Galium aparine

Plant Marsh-bedstraw Galium palustre

Plant Geranium Geranium

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Plant Water avens Geum rivale

Plant Hogweed Heracleum spondylium

Plant Yorkshire fog holcus lanatus

Plant Creeping soft grass Holcus mollis

Plant Sharp-flowered rush Juncus acutiflorus

Plant Soft-rush Juncus effusus

Plant meadow vetchling Lathyrus pratensis

Plant Perennial ryegrass Lolium perenne

Plant Greater bird's-foot trefoil Lotus pendunculatus

Plant Ragged robin Lychnis flos-cuculi

Plant Water mint Mentha aquatica

Plant Purple moorgrass Molinia caerulea

Plant Bog myrtle Myrica gale

Plant Bog asphodel Narthecium ossifragum

Plant Bogbean nyanthes trifoliata

Plant marsh lousewort Pedicularis palustris

Plant Redleg Persicaria malculosa

Plant Reed canary grass Phalaris arundinacea

Plant Ribwort plantain Plantago lanceolata

Plant Heath milkwort Polygala serpyllifolia

Plant Silverweed Potentilla anserina

Plant Tormentil Potentilla erecta

Plant Marsh cinquefoil Potentilla palustris

Plant creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens

Plant White beaked sedge Rhyncospora alba

Plant Bramble Rubus fruiticosus agg

Plant Common sorrel Rumex acetosa

Plant Broad-leaved dock Rumex obstusifolius

Plant Eared willow Salix aurita

Plant Goat willow Salix caprea

Plant Grey willow Salix cinerea

Plant Wood club-rush Scirpus sylvaticus

Plant Ragwort Senecio jacobaea

Plant Canadian goldenrod Solidago canadensis

Plant Smooth sow thistle Sonchus oleraceus

Plant marsh woundwort Stachys palustris

Plant Devil's-bit scabioius Succisa pratensis

Plant Deergrass Trichophorum germanicum

Plant Zig-zag clover Trifolium medium

Plant Red clover Trifolium pratense

Plant Colt's-foot Tussilago farfara

Plant Common nettle Urtica dioica

Plant Cranberry Vaccinium oxycoccos

Plant Common valerian Valeriana officinalis

Plant Tufted vetch Vicia cracca

Plant Marsh violet Viola palustris

Plant (bryophyte) Greasewort Aneura pinguis

Plant (bryophyte) Bog bead-moss Aulacomnium palustre

24

Plant (bryophyte) River feather-moss Brachythecium rivulare

Plant (bryophyte) Rough-stalked feather-moss Brachythecium rutabulum

Plant (bryophyte) Heart-leaved spear-moss Calliergon cordifolium

Plant (bryophyte) Pointed spear-moss Calliergonella cuspidata

Plant (bryophyte) Swedish pouchwort Calypogeia sphagnicola

Plant (bryophyte) Heath star-moss Campylopus introflexus

Plant (bryophyte) Two-horned pincerwort Cephalozia bicuspidata

Plant (bryophyte) Bryophyte Cephalozia catenulata

Plant (bryophyte) Forcipated pincerwort Cephalozia connivens

Plant (bryophyte) Heath threadwort Cephaloziella hampeana

Plant (bryophyte) Hair pointed feather-moss Cirriphyllum piliferum

Plant (bryophyte) Broom fork-moss Dicranum scoparium

Plant (bryophyte) Common striated feather-moss Eurhynchium striatum

Plant (bryophyte) Blunt feather-moss Homalia trichomanoides

Plant (bryophyte) Mamillate plait-moss Hypnum andoi

Plant (bryophyte) Heath plait-moss Hypnum jutlandicum

Plant (bryophyte) Mouse-tail moss Isothecium myosuroides var. myosuroides

Plant (bryophyte) Common feather-moss Kindbergia praelonga

Plant (bryophyte) Bristly fingerwort Kurzia pauciflora

Plant (bryophyte) Bristly fingerwort Kurzia trichoclados

Plant (bryophyte) Large/smaller white-moss Leucobryum glaucum

Plant (bryophyte) Hill notchwort Lophozia sudetica

Plant (bryophyte) Tumid notchwort Lophozia ventricosa

Plant (bryophyte) Bluish/whiskered veilwort Metzgeria consanguinea

Plant (bryophyte) Forked veilwort Metzgeria furcata

Plant (bryophyte) Bluish/whiskered veilwort Metzgeria violacea

Plant (bryophyte) Swan's-neck thyme-moss Mnium hornum

Plant (bryophyte) Anamolous flapwort Mylia anomala

Plant (bryophyte) Dwarf neckera Neckera pumila

Plant (bryophyte) Rustwort Nowellia curvifolia

Plant (bryophyte) Matchstick flapwort Odontoschisma denudatum

Plant (bryophyte) Bog-moss flapwort Odontoschisma sphagni

Plant (bryophyte) Elegant bristle-moss Orthotrichum pulchellum

Plant (bryophyte) Lesser featherwort Plagiochila porelloides

Plant (bryophyte) Hart's-tongue thyme-moss Plagiomnium undulatum

Plant (bryophyte) Red-stemmed feather-moss Pleurozium schreberi

Plant (bryophyte) Common haircap moss Polytrichum commune var. commune

Plant (bryophyte) Bog haircap moss Polytrichum strictum

Plant (bryophyte) Woolly fringe-moss Racomitrium lanuginosum

Plant (bryophyte) Dotted thyme-moss Rhizomnium punctatum

Plant (bryophyte) Sickle-leaved hook-moss Sanionia uncinata

Plant (bryophyte) Austin's bog-moss Sphagnum austinii

Plant (bryophyte) Red bog-moss Sphagnum capillifolium subsp. capillifolium

Plant (bryophyte) Red bog-moss Sphagnum capillifolium subsp. rubellum

Plant (bryophyte) Compact bog-moss Sphagnum compactum

Plant (bryophyte) Feathery bog-moss Sphagnum cuspidatum

Plant (bryophyte) Flat-topped bog-moss Sphagnum fallax

Plant (bryophyte) Flexuous bog-moss Sphagnum flexuosum

25

Plant (bryophyte) Magellanic bog-moss Sphagnum magellanicum

Plant (bryophyte) Blunt-leaved bog-moss Sphagnum palustre

Plant (bryophyte) Papillose bog-moss Sphagnum papillosum

Plant (bryophyte) Squarrose bog-moss Sphagnum squarrosum

Plant (bryophyte) Lustrous bog-moss Sphagnum subnitens

Plant (bryophyte) Soft bog-mos Sphagnum tenellum

Plant (bryophyte) Rigid bog-moss Sphagnum teres

Plant (bryophyte) Common tamarisk-moss Thuidium tamariscinum

Plant (bryophyte) Crisped/Bruch's pincushion moss Ulota bruchii

Plant (bryophyte) Balding pincushion moss Ulota calvescens

Plant (bryophyte) Crisped/Bruch's pincushion moss Ulota crispa s.l.

Reptile Adder Vipera berus