Fen Management Handbook

Fens are magical places where nature and centuries of human activity combine to produce a rich and ever-changing habitat. The United Kingdom supports a wide variety of different fen types, ranging from tiny fragments to extensive mosaics of wetland habitats at a landscape scale. Once highly valued for their products, their use within social and agricultural systems declined with the advent of intensive agriculture, drainage and mechanisation. Many remaining fens were abandoned and became dominated by unpalatable vegetation or invaded by scrub and trees.

Why have a handbook?

The Handbook highlights practical techniques but also provides the background science that underpins the different fen management techniques. The handbook is aimed at anyone involved in fen management, creation or restoration from a practical, policy or planning perspective.

FEN MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK

Single Report (.PDF 9.4Mb)

Cover and Contents (PDF 349 Kb)

1. Introduction and basic principles (PDF 164 Kb)
2. Fen flora and fauna (PDF 880 Kb)
3. Understanding fen hydrology (PDF 2.53 Mb)
4. Understanding fen nutrients PDF 1.38 Mb)
5. Fen management and restoration (PDF 264 Kb)
6. Fen vegetation management (PDF 1.38 Mb)
7. Fen water management (PDF 902 Kb)
8. Managing fen nutrient enrichment (PDF 277 Kb)
9. Creating fen habitat (PDF 581 Kb)
10. Monitoring to inform fen management (PDF 268 Kb)
11. Fens and people (PDF 420 Kb)
12. Fens from an economic perspective (PDF 121 Kb)

Appendices (PDF 477 Kb)

Feedback

We are interested to know:

• What you think of the Fen Management Handbook
• Any improvements we could make
• Case studies of your experience of fen management
• Would you purchase a soft back version at a moderate cost (£20-£25)

If you would like to comment on the Fen Management Handbook please send an email to Bobbie.Hamill@doeni.gov.uk