Akercome Bottom after restoration:
What were the issues?
This SSSI unit was in unfa vourable declining condition due to the effects of the artificial drain, which was causing increased erosion within the woodland and mire habitats and creating gravel deposition on the lawn.
As a result of this deeply-incised channel, there was no seasonal inundation of the woodland, inconsistent interaction with the floodplain and the condition of the adjacent habitats were negatively affected (see left).
How did we fix them?
The plan followed on from earlier restoration work which was undertaken along the line of the drain further up in the mire.
Downstream of the earlier channel restoration work, the remaining section of eroded vegetated channel through the mire was bed level raised using staked heather bales and the mire vegetation was reinstated over the top.
The bed level raised was graded into the restored remnant stream meanders and then further infill of the drains through the woodland and grassland (lawn) habitats was completed. At the downstream end of the site the meander route was linked into the Linford Brook.
The bridge crossing upstream of Pinnick Wood was maintained. The gravel ford crossing at the eastern end of the lawn was replaced by a boarded gravel crossing. Both are vital access routes for the Agisters to manage stock.