Malham Tarn and Moss.Photograph by Tom Walker,
National Trust.
Why was there a need for the project?
Malham Tarn is the centre-point of an internationally important wetland site, which is nutrient-poor and has a rich and unusual mix of flora and fauna. It is therefore particularly sensitive to changes in the water chemistry of its catchment – especially with respect to surrounding farmland.
What are the project's aims?
To ensure that land-use adjacent to Malham Tarn does not adversely affect its biodiversity value
The project’s intentions are:
To establish the extent that land-use around the reserve is affecting the chemistry of water entering Malham Tarn and its feeder streams
To establish the effect that this is having on the reserve’s ecology and monitor for any resulting changes in biodiversity
To review management practices with respect to this information, so that Malham Tarn and its associated wetlands are maintained in a favourable state
What has the project achieved so far?
An eco-hydrological survey of Malham Tarn and the wider catchment has recently been completed. This sets out the influence of the catchment on the site’s ecology and highlights the changes that are occurring in biodiversity as a result of adjacent land-use. A new management plan for Malham Tarn National Nature Reserve (NNR) is currently being developed, which will be introduced at the end of March 2010. Information from the survey will form a major component of this plan, so that adjacent land is managed appropriately to minimise its impact on the biodiversity of Malham Tarn.
Who is involved?
The eco-hydrological survey was produced by Maslen Environmental Consultants in collaboration with Roger Meade Associates. The management plan is being reviewed by The National Trust, who own and manage the site, in partnership with Natural England and the Field Studies Council (who manage the field centre on site).
Further information:
