The Effects of Management on Biodiversity and Biogeochemistry of the Cors Goch Site, Anglesey

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Documents

  • Shane Unwin

    Research areas

  • Wetlands, Biodiversity, Biogeochemistry, Anglesey, MScRes

Abstract

Management of peatlands is an important aspect of global conservation and carbon sequestration efforts. Analysis of enzyme activity, soil respiration and species data to determine overall health of Cors Goch fen, Anglesey. Here we give a detailed analysis of all current management techniques used on Cors Goch and analyse available species data and collected peat samples to see how management may need to be adapted in order to create a “perfect” site. Current techniques such as cutting, mowing and grazing are used on Cors Goch and sites around the world. After analysis of biogeochemistry data and species data we determined that there aren’t any significant changes that are required on the site. We have recommended that the addition of ancient species like Konik horses and Heck cattle, or native breed such as highland cattle and belted galloways, controlled burns and a more up to date species survey could be used to help protect the site and make sure it is optimal. Heck cattle and Konik horses have coarser diets, they require little active management and have been shown to improve vegetation structure and enhance biodiversity. They have varied diets which helps create a diverse plant population which helps aid biodiversity. Highland cattle also help increase plant species richness, reduce inflorescence of certain plants and establish others. Cattle breeds help trample bracken and low scrub and also create paths through vegetation. A noticeable trend in the biogeochemistry data is that the area of shrub consistently showed lower enzyme activity than the firebreak or sawgrass areas. This is likely linked to the woody litter from the shrub that helps lower decomposition rates. We also analysed the species data for wetland bird indicator species to see if the essential UK wetland birds had good populations. Some important birds such as the reed bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus), sedge warbler (Acrocephalus schoenabaenus) and snipe (Gallinago gallinago) have large numbers of records which indicates the site is healthy. However, some of the indicator species weren’t identified recently which may mean more regular surveys are needed to keep track of particular species. This is also relevant for many of the rare and/or important invertebrate species that exist on the site. The current management plan for Cors Goch gives a lot of weight to protecting the rare species that occupy the site. The current measures seem to benefit these species quite well due to our analysis of the species data. Many of the rare plants are found on specific areas of the site, and those areas need to be carefully managed. Overall the site is in good health and the current techniques are beneficial but the addition of alternate techniques could also benefit the biogeochemistry of the site and in turn aid in increasing the overall biodiversity. Further analysis may be required on certain management techniques to make sure they are going to benefit the site and other sites throughout the UK.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
Supervisors/Advisors
Thesis sponsors
  • Bangor University
Award date29 Jul 2022