Amberley Wild Brooks eco-hydrology and peat assessment report (NECR603)

Amberley Wild Brooks Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), in West Sussex, comprises of an area of extensive alluvial grazing marsh, historically dissected for drainage purposes. The variability in water chemistry on site, influenced by the underlying geology has led to the development of a remarkable flora community and at the time of designation, supported over 150 flowering plant species. Amberley Wild Brooks SSSI is also noted for supporting valuable populations of breeding and over-wintering bird species, along with many uncommon invertebrates, including two nationally rare aquatic snails. As such, Amberley Wild Brooks SSSI forms part of the overarching Arun Valley habitats sites; The Arun Valley Special Protection Area (SPA), Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Ramsar (designated wetland). In addition to this, laying over the greensand and river alluvium on site at Amberley Wild Brooks SSSI is an area of peat that represents the only sizeable example of relict raised bog in the South East. To further enhance our understanding of the current condition and extent of peat and the hydrological conditions at Amberley Wild Brooks SSSI, Natural England commissioned Yellow Sub Geo to undertake a programme of desk-based study and field work including groundwater monitoring. This report provides a high-level assessment of peat characteristics, hydrological conditions, implications to ecosystem services and potential interventions or next steps to improve understanding and onsite conditions.