Site: South Grain Farm
Grid reference: SD 894 237
Site description: South Grain Farm has large areas of exposed quarry and mine spoil, which consist of loose mudstone and shale. This is subject to severe erosion (see photos to left) and works on site included a combination of tree planting and physical erosion control works. This is one of three pilot sites for erosion control and is being monitored by Environmental Geology & Geotechnical Consultants Ltd. under a contract from the Environment Agency.
Soil Erosion Control Physical Works
Area A – Gully
Area A is a large gull with a stream running through it. Tree planting will slow rain water run off and soil erosion, having a positive effect on down steam flooding in heavy rainfall events. The gulley has been planted with a mixture of 900 hardy native species. Alder and Willow along the stream bank and in the wetter areas; Oak, Birch and Rowan on the slopes; Hawthorn and Elder around the periphery. Trees have been protected from rabbits and mulched to suppress competition and ensure good survival rate.
Area B –Exposed shale surface of slope alongside farm track. Area suffered severe surface erosion during the floods of June 2012.
Brushwood fascines have been installed along contours on unvegetated parts of the slope to check soil movement and allow revegetation. Each fascine (1.8m length, 0.3m diameter) was two-thirds dug in to slope and held in place with 3 hardwood stakes (0.9m length). The site was reseeded with an upland grassland mix (Habitataid – Highland Meadow Seed Mix) at a rate of 3g/square metre. 150 hardy native trees and shrubs were planted around the installed fascines, comprising a mixture of Gorse, Broom, Birch, Oak and Rowan. Gorse was planted in the harder areas where there is less soil and where it is more likely to thrive. Trees protected from rabbits and mulched.
Area C- Land sloping down to a stream.
Tree planting will slow rain water run off and soil erosion, having a positive effect on down steam flooding in heavy rainfall events. The slope was planted with a mixture of 900 hardy native species. Alder and Willow along the stream bank and in the wetter areas, Oak, Birch and Rowan on the slopes, Hawthorn and Elder around the periphery. Trees protected from rabbits and mulched.
