Moss Side Farm: Peatland Restoration, Wetland Habitat Creation & Wetter Farming

Treeclear UK was appointed by Natural England to deliver a 17-hectare peatland restoration, wetland habitat creation and wetter farming project at Moss Side Farm, Astley, Manchester.

Following the successful delivery of Phase 1, completed on time and within budget, Treeclear UK was awarded Phase 2 of the project, which was also delivered successfully to the same high standard.

• Client: Natural England
• Location: Moss Side Farm, Astley, Manchester
• Project Size: 17 Hectares
• Scope: Peatland Restoration, Wetland Habitat Creation & Wetter Farming

About the Site / Project

The site covered 17 hectares of former agricultural land at Moss Side Farm in Manchester, which was restored and rewetted as part of an innovative wetter farming and wetland habitat creation scheme.

The primary objective was to restore appropriate hydrological conditions by raising water levels and creating a wetter environment suitable for peatland restoration and wetland habitat establishment, while also supporting the cultivation of bog plants and trialling food crops capable of thriving in wetter conditions.

This approach combined ecological restoration with sustainable land management to enhance biodiversity and demonstrate the potential of wetter farming practices.

Phase 1 comprised five key elements:

● Peat inversion

● Installation of overflow pipes

● Installation of stop log sluices

● Installation of water control systems

● Construction of irrigation ponds

Peat Inversion

The first stage of the project involved the inversion of the upper 1.5 metres of peat and historic night soil deposits.

This process buried the nutrient-rich night soil beneath a layer of wet, nutrient-poor, acidic peat, creating the low-fertility conditions required for successful wetland and bog habitat restoration.

Following the inversion works, the peat surface was carefully compacted and shaped to create a series of microtopographic pools and hollows.

This created a varied wetland landscape capable of retaining water and supporting a diverse mosaic of peatland habitats.

The completed peat inversion works established the hydrological and ecological foundations for the long-term restoration of the site, providing suitable conditions for the establishment of bog vegetation and wetland species.

Installation of Overflow Pipes

The second stage of the project involved the installation of overflow pipes within the bunds at the lowest bog cells, providing controlled connections to the external drainage ditch. 

The overflow pipes were designed to safely convey excess water from the bog cells once target water levels had been reached, helping to prevent overtopping of the bunds while maintaining the site's designed hydrological conditions. 

This formed an important part of the overall water management system, supporting the long-term stability and functionality of the restored wetland system.

Installation of Stop Log Sluices

The third stage of the project involved the installation of six stop log sluices between the internal wetland cells and the two upper irrigation ponds, forming a key component of the site's water management system.

The stop log sluices were installed to provide adjustable control of water levels between the individual cells and irrigation ponds. 

By allowing water levels to be raised or lowered as required, they support the management of restored wetland habitats, the operation of the wetter farming system, and the long-term management of the site's hydrology.

Installation of Water Control Systems

The fourth stage of the project involved the installation of an integrated water control system to support the long-term management of water levels across the site. 

An internal water control ditch was excavated to intercept and connect the existing in-field drainage pipes before they were isolated by the newly constructed internal bunds. 

This enabled controlled management of water movement throughout the restored peatland and wetland system.

Two irrigation ponds, complete with sumps, were also constructed to facilitate internal water management for the wetter farming system.

In addition, cut-off ditches, deep trench bunds and peat access ramps were formed to support water retention, site accessibility and the overall operation of the restored landscape.

Construction of Irrigation Ponds

The final stage of Phase 1 involved the construction of two irrigation ponds to support the wetter farming system and provide additional capacity for site water management.

A sump was excavated at the main outlet to provide a collection point, allowing water to be pumped to the irrigation ponds located at the southern end of the field during farming operations.

The irrigation ponds were constructed with a central depth of approximately 2 metres, gradually grading to around 0.5 metres at the pond margins. 

This profile provided additional water storage capacity and supported the controlled management of water resources across the wetter farming system.

Why Choose Treeclear UK?

Treeclear UK was proud to deliver another successful peatland restoration project in the North West of England for Natural England. 

Following the successful completion of Phase 1, Treeclear UK was awarded Phase 2 of the project, demonstrating our ability to deliver complex peatland restoration schemes for environmental clients.

At Treeclear UK, we specialise in peatland and wetland restoration projects, delivering practical solutions across sensitive landscapes.

Our experience includes low ground pressure operations, peat dam installation, ditch blocking, bund formation, water level management, pond creation, and peatland rewetting works.

Accreditations and industry memberships include:

• ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems
• ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems
• CHAS Elite Accreditation (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme)
• FISA: Forest Industry Safety Accord membership