Uplands and Flooding

It's been known for a while that the way that uplands are managed can affect the amount of water run-off that eventually may lead to flood events at lower levels.

There's an article on the national website of the Wildlife Trusts that puts it pretty well.

http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/floods

One of the problems is the compaction of soils caused by livestock grazing. A less aerated soil is also less attractive for worms and moles. They can act as agents, for good drainage.

On SWT's enclosure it's not just the sheep and cattle that compact the soil. Vehicles are regularly driven across the grass. Not only that but they are driven on parts of the grassland away from the official bridleways.

The bridleway proper is some 10 feet wide but another 30 feet is gradually being added to that by the wheels of the grazier's truck.