West Penwith Ecohydrological Investigation and Characterisation (Phase 3, 2020-21) (NECR399)

Land within Penwith Moors, Cornwall, is being considered for designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Valley mires are features of interest and 11 key valley mires (wetlands) have been identified for designation. Atkins were commissioned by Natural England to undertake a catchment-based approach to identify all land that may influence the ecohydrology of the mires, and to determine which areas have the most significant influence. Using open-source data, ‘hydrological risk zones’ and associated ‘surface flow pathways’ have been identified within those catchments. These can be used to help determine the appropriate boundaries for the SSSI around valley mire wetland features. This approach is consistent with national SSSI selection guidelines to ensure that the key areas which influence the mire are included within the SSSI boundary and to recognise pressures within the catchment to inform future management and so improve resilience of the mires. This report should be read in conjunction with West Penwith Ecohydrological Investigation and Characterisation, Phase 3, – Site Visit Report, 2020-21.