It is the first time that a systematic and comprehensive assessment of burned and unburned catchments has been carried out. Our research has increased understanding of the effects of prescribed vegetation burning on blanket peatland hydrology, chemistry and physical properties, and on the hydrology, water quality and biota of rivers in upland peat-dominated catchments.

The project was initiated in response to concerns over the intensification of rotational heather burning on blanket peatlands and the lack of evidence to inform various stakeholders about the environmental effects. The research was funded by the Natural Environment Research Council with additional support from Yorkshire Water.

A two page executive summary and full report of key findings are both available.

Full Report

http://www.wateratleeds.org/fileadmin/documents/water_at_leeds/EMBER_2_page_exec_summary.pdf