Help our peatland team to complete their peatland code survey.
A peatland code survey is a process used to assess the condition and depth of peatland for the purpose of restoring and protecting these ecosystems. It involves collecting data on the peat depth and condition, which is crucial for estimating greenhouse gas emissions and determining the potential for carbon sequestration. The survey is conducted based on a grid, covering the entire area to be restored.
The grid we are working on is 100 meter squares. For this survey we will be working in pairs and measuring peat depth and taking note of the condition every 100m.
No experience is necessary as training will be given, however a good level of fitness is required as this task involves an uphill walk of upto 1.5 hours to get to site. Throughout the day we will be covering rough, tufty, boggy, sometimes steep and uneven ground.
For these tasks you will need to be well prepared for the conditions. We will be working on the top of the peatlands, which are very exposed and can be very cold in winter. You will need to have plenty of warm clothing with you and full waterproofs and wellies are mandatory. If you do not have enough kit for the conditions we will be unable to take you with us.
For a day on the peatlands in winter, we typically wear;
- Thermal baselayers (top and bottoms)
- Fleece and trousers
- Warm jacket
- Full waterproofs (top and bottoms)
- Hat
- Gloves
- Scaft / buff
- Plus spare mid layers in bag – extra fleece
- Wool / warm socks (often 2 pairs)
The best weather forecast to check for this task is for Drygan Fawr summit which can be found on the Met Office website. The wind chill on the peatlands can be significant so pay attention to the ‘feels like’ tempetature.
We will stop for lunch on site – please bring enough food and drinks with you for the whole day – we will not have access to any facilities. I would recommend bringing a hot drink in a flask and hot food in a flask for this task.
For all sessions, we will meet at the Elan Valley Trust office at 10am where we will have a site safety chat and tool talk before each session begins. When traveling out to site to we will go together in the people carrier. We will finish back at the Elan Valley Trust office at 4pm.
What you’ll need:
Footwear – Wellies with good grip
Clothing – The sites is around 600m elevation and fully exposed. Please ensure you have lots of warm layers, full waterproofs, hat, gloves etc. Be prepared for changeable weather!
Food – Please bring enough water and food for the whole day – hot food and drink recommended – we will always bring biscuits with us for the group!
Facilities – There are no facilities once we leave the office.
Travel expenses reimbursed at 45p / mile each way (maximum 20 miles each way).
Lunch purchases can be reimbursed up to £5 (must have a receipt).