Moorland monitoring – long-term habitat assessment

The ADAS ecology team was commissioned by Defra to resurvey 20 long-term moorland monitoring sites across the English uplands.

Background

In 2024, Defra commissioned the ADAS ecology team to resurvey 20 long-term moorland monitoring sites across the English uplands. These sites, previously assessed in 2014/15, provide critical data on habitat conditions and the impacts of agri-environment schemes.

With a focus on vegetation parameters and grazing regimes, the objectives of the project were:

to track changes over time
assess habitat conditions
inform future management strategies for upland habitats

Actions

Using a repeatable methodology aligned with Common Standards Monitoring (CSM) guidance, we implemented rigorous data collection and analysis protocols. The team sampled 100 random points per site, collecting variables to assess habitat conditions and grazing impacts.

We engaged early with landowners to ensure their cooperation for site access and utilised cutting-edge GIS tools to streamline data collection and reporting. The project also included a heather grazing assessment, leveraging expertise to analyse grazing indices from collected samples.

Outcomes

The project delivered comprehensive insights into habitat condition changes, enabling a deeper understanding of the relationship between management interventions and ecological outcomes.

Key deliverables

Detailed site reports with statistical analyses and GIS-based visualisations
Overarching recommendations for refining AES management practices
Evidence to support policy development and the long-term sustainability of upland habitats

Impact

This work has significantly contributed to the evidence base for agri-environmental stewardship, directly supporting the evolution of management guidelines. By identifying trends and providing actionable insights, ADAS ensured the project’s findings will play a pivotal role in shaping future moorland conservation efforts.