Key lessons:
This is an ongoing project of moorland rewetting involving blocking of existing drainage ditches, as such monitoring of impacts on water quality, water flow, habitats and greenhouse gases has not been completed. However, preliminary results for water quality and quantity are encouraging with storm water run-off reduced by 32% and the average depth to the water table level reduced. The project is a continuation of an exiting partnership between the regional water company (South West Water), the Exmoor National Park Authority (also the landowner) and national agencies (Natural England, Environment Agency, English Heritage). There is also academic input (Universities of Exeter and Bristol) into monitoring of inputs.
Financing mechanism information:
The measures are currently funded through agri-environment payments for moorland management. If benefits can be demonstrated the hope is to get regulatory approval to develop PES schemes with payments coming from water companies. The UK Peatland Code is also in development, this focuses on GHG impacts but water co-benefits may be important in developing the PES market.
Financing difficulties information:
If agri-environment scheme funding was not available SWW would have paid for implementation