Use and experiment with access methods and structures in a sensitive bog: consultation, access works and restoration
Plan
Site
Kéroncel - Locarn
A 6ha peatland within the wider 'Landes de Locarn', which (in the absence of grazing or cutting) is evolving towards wet woodland. Before LEADER+ work, there was an old boardwalk through it, open only to guided groups.
Local consultation
Cicindèle and AMV, the two groups that manage both this site and Magoar-Penvern, have memberships drawn from the local population and were created by and for local people interested in natural heritage and recreation. Everyone wishing to be involved can be a member and give his/ her view on the project. Consequently, project planning in partnership with these groups did not involve any additional local consultation.
Neighbours of both sites are very positive towards the work. They participate actively, giving advice and personal opinions. Within both project areas, the farmers whose cattle graze the sites are immediate neighbours. Planning of feedback to the local community and more widely included scheduling regular press releases to allow local and specialist newspapers and magazines follow the project's progress.
Potential for change
Surveys indicated potential for a new path. Because of sensitivity of site, this will be intended (as before) to give access only through guided visits. The new path will allow small numbers of visitors to gain first-hand experience of peatland vegetation in a bog where cattle grazing is used to restrict the growth of vegetation (such as young trees) which would alter the bog.
Access works
- New access for machinery to get in (scrubs and tree clearance) (see 'chemin carrossable' on the map).
- A footpath constructed on bundles of sticks - 'Fagots' - to go through the peatbog between the large tussocks of Greater Tussock Sedge (Carex paniculata) ('sentier sur fagots'),
- A wooden boardwalk - 'passerelle' - with benches, across the wettest bits
- A wooden platform with space for about 30 people at one time
- Restoration of 'talus' used as footpath (see 'talus')
- Creation of steps to walk from the 'talus' to the peatbog itself (onto the boardwalk or on the 'fagots') ('passage sur talus')
Restoration work:
- In some place along the path, the vegetation will be stripped to give place for a younger state of vegetation. There is an existing seedbank in the soil, as shown where sundews and butterwort have grown back on stripped places).
- The site should be grazed to keep it open. The local farmer is interested (using Highland cattle and/or "limousines" cows).
- Hand cutting is planned in some places.
- Dams to block the old ditches and allow the water table to rise.
Interpretation:
- No fixed interpretation planned. Information will be given to groups by their guide, according to the group's interests.
Expected schedule of work
Do, Hurdles and fagots, Review
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