1. North West Regional Group
Meeting
Thursday 26th January 2012
“Groundwater Dependant Terrestrial Ecosystems –
Wybunbury Moss, Cheshire”
Sarah Scott - Senior Technical Specialist (Hydrogeology), Environment Agency
The Environment Agency have been carrying out
investigations at a number of groundwater dependant
terrestrial ecosystems (GWDTEs), or wetlands, around
England and Wales to determine whether they are
being adversely impacted by anthropogenic pressures.
The results of the work are being used to report site
status to Europe to comply with the Water Framework
Directive. Working with Natural England, CCW and
SEPA, guidance for monitoring and investigation has
been produced which aims to provide a risk-based,
cost-effective approach to monitoring GWDTE sites
and incorporating ecological and hydrological aspects.
The North West Regional Groundwater team have
trialled this guidance at the SSSI / SAC site,
Wybunbury Moss in Cheshire to determine whether
high nitrates in the shallow sands and gravels around
the wetland are causing significant damage to the
habitat. Wybunbury Moss is floating peat raft of
national importance forming one of the best
Schwingmoor sites in the Country. This talk focuses on
the investigations carried out at the site and the
outcomes of the monitoring and explains how this will
help to manage the site in the future and the outcomes
for the national guidance trial.
Photo: Wybunbury Moss Peat Raft
Sarah Scott, Senior Technical Specialist
(Hydrogeology). Environment Agency North West &
This talk will be preceded by the North West
North East Regions – Sarah Scott is the Senior
Regional Group’s AGM which will commence at
Technical Specialist for Hydrogeology across the
6.00pm. The talk will commence immediately after
North of England. Sarah gained her BSc degree in
the AGM at 6.30pm
Geography and Geology from Liverpool Polytechnic
and has been with the Environment Agency and its Venue: The University of Manchester, Williamson
predecessor, the National Rivers Authority, for much Building, Lecture Theatre. The Williamson Building is
of the past two decades. Sarah is mainly involved in located on Oxford Road at the corner with Brunswick
groundwater related work with current Street, postcode M13 9PL.
responsibilities ranging from Water Framework
Directive investigations, groundwater resource Organised by the North West Regional Group of the
management and lately regulation in relation to shale Geological Society of London
gas exploration. www.geolsoc.org.uk/nwrg
geologicalsociety.northwest@gmail.com
CPD: These events may be considered for contributing to a
recognised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme as
part of personal development. Delegates should check their
individual scheme requirements
The Geological Society of London is a registered charity No 210161