South West Peak Objectives

1. To maintain, enhance and restore moorland fringe habitats, particularly to support wading bird species such as lapwing, curlew and snipe

• Integrated management of in-bye grasslands for fungi, invertebrates & birds, & connectivity to moorlands
• Managing scrub on the moorland fringe to create feathered edges and transitional habitats between moorland and in-bye land
• Targeted action for wader populations (especially lapwing, curlew, snipe)

2. To restore and expand upland heathland and blanket bog.

• Restoration of degraded blanket bog to restore hydrological integrity and functionality.
• Management plans and action on large estates.
• Restoration of hilltop heaths – may require land acquisition as HLS funds are higher for grassland.

3. To enhance wetland and riparian habitats and species

• Continuation and Expansion of Water for Wildlife Projects
• Existing CSF priority catchments

4. To enhance and expand native broad-leaved woodland

• Linking ancient and semi-natural valley woodlands to defragment and buffer existing semi-natural woodland
• Management and expansion of ancient semi-natural woodlands
• Restructuring of conifer plantations to increase broadleaf cover
• Creation and restoration of clough woodlands
• Woodland enhancement for key woodland bird species

Conservation priorities

• To prevent further declines in wader populations, and to increase breeding success.
• To link and enhance semi-natural valley woodlands.
• Maintenance and enhancement of moorland habitats on large estates.
• Integrated management of in-bye grasslands for birds, fungi and invertebrates.
• To improve species diversity in rivers and streams.

Opportunities for additional conservation activity

• Integrated management of large areas of publicly-owned land.
• Restoration/expansion of upland heathland on the Cheshire hilltops.
• Management of ancient woodlands and restructuring of conifer plantations to increase broadleaf cover, including clough woodlands.
• Management and restoration of hedgerows to support BAP bird species.