Dark Peak Targets
The targets below relate to higher priority habitats in the Dark Peak National Character Area. They have been derived in a variety of ways: summing planned contributions from major projects; evaluating the quantity of the resource which is in a degraded condition (from surveys); and an estimation of the potential which can be achieved through conservation agreements.
The targets will be shown on a spatial basis where possible.
All targets are to 2020 unless otherwise stated.
Blanket Bog
- Maintain the known extent (c.18,090 ha).
- Maintain Favourable/Recovering condition on 95% of Blanket Bog units within SSSIs, and move 50% from Recovering to Favourable condition.
- Secure all non-SSSI Blanket Bog into appropriate conservation agreements (conversion from classic schemes to Environmental Stewardship).
- Initiate the restoration of 765 ha (plus MFF contribution) of degraded Blanket Bog through stabilisation, re-vegetation and gully blocking.
Lowland Meadows (Unimproved Neutral Grassland)
- Maintain the known extent (c.280 ha).
- Maintain Favourable/Recovering condition on 95% of Lowland Meadow units within SSSIs, and move 50% from Recovering to Favourable condition.
- Secure 90% of non-SSSI Lowland Meadows into appropriate conservation agreements.
- Initiate the restoration of 20 ha of Lowland Meadows from species-rich grassland in priority areas – within 3km of twite nesting sites; or adjacent to existing high quality BAP meadows.
Rush Pasture for Birds
- Maintain the known extent (c.438 ha).
- Maintain Favourable/Recovering condition on 95% of Rush Pasture units within SSSIs.
- Secure 50% of non-SSSI Rush Pastures into appropriate conservation agreements in wader hotspot areas by 2015.
- Initiate the restoration of 20 ha of Rush Pastures in wader hotspot areas by 2015.
Upland Heathland
- Maintain the known extent (c.12,790 ha).
- Maintain Favourable/Recovering condition on 95% of Upland Heathland units within SSSIs, and move 50% from Recovering to Favourable condition.
- Secure 50% of non-SSSI Upland Heathland into appropriate conservation agreements (conversion from classic schemes to Environmental Stewardship).
- Initiate the restoration of 400 ha of fragmented heathland on the Eastern Moors.
Upland Oakwoods
- Maintain the known extent (c.1,290 ha).
- Maintain Favourable/Recovering condition on 95% of Upland Oakwood units within SSSIs, and move 50% from Recovering to Favourable condition.
- Secure 75% of non-SSSI Upland Oakwood into appropriate conservation agreements.
- Initiate the restoration of 270 ha of conifer woodlands to Upland Oakwood on the Eastern Moors and Alport Valley.
- Initiate the restoration of 250 ha of Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS) to Upland Oakwood in priority areas identified on the Woodland Opportunity Map.
- Initiate the creation of 500 ha of Upland Oakwood on the Eastern Moors, and in priority cloughs to link ancient woodlands as identified on the Woodland Opportunity Map.
Rivers & Streams
- Maintain the known extent.
- Maintain Favourable/Recovering condition on 95% of Rivers & Streams units within SSSIs, and move 50% from Recovering to Favourable condition.
- Ensure 50% of non-SSSI Rivers & Streams meet appropriate Water Framework Directive standards by 2020.
For the other habitats listed below, targets are to:
- Maintain extent,
- Achieve favourable condition where possible by securing into appropriate conservation agreements,
- Seek to restore and expand the habitat in appropriate locations when opportunities arise.
Calaminarian Grassland
Hedgerows
Inland Rock Outcrops and Scree Habitats
Lowland Calcareous Grassland
Lowland Dry Acid Grassland
Lowland Fen
Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodlands
Ponds
Purple Moor-Grass & Rush Pasture
Upland Flushes, Fens & Swamps
Wet Woodland
Wood-Pasture & Parkland