Corporate report

Suggested topics for dissertation projects based on National Nature Reserves

Updated 1 March 2023

Applies to England

East of England

Barnack Hills and Holes NNR

Find out more about this reserve

Topic season
Undertake a study of the man orchid: why is this species declining? any
Investigate the impact of people and dogs on the site and how we might manage this better any
Investigate the likely effects of climate change and possible adaptations we can put in place any
Report on the value of timber across the site and how to get best outputs whilst improving habitats any

Contact: ruth.angrave@naturalengland.org.uk

Castor Hanglands NNR

Find out more about this reserve

Topic season
Survey the current deer populations and how they impact the site any
Undertake a breeding bird survey and possible habitat improvements spring/summer
Assess the impact of grey squirrel control any
Map the current habitat mosaic across the site any
Investigate the likely effects of climate change and possible adaptations we can put in place any
Report on water quality and flow through the site any
Report on the value of timber across the site and how to get best outputs whilst improving habitats any
Conduct an invertebrate study of the tree canopy spring/summer/autumn
Conduct an invertebrate study of ground habitats spring/summer/autumn
Conduct a study of the black hairstreak butterfly summer
Survey current bat populations and roosts spring/summer/autumn

Contact: ruth.angrave@naturalengland.org.uk

Cavenham Heath NNR

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Topic season
What motivates the public to visit the reserve, where do they come from and how do they get here? spring/summer
Investigate possible reasons for the recent decline of the woodlark and tree pipit as breeding species on the reserve spring/summer

Contact: michael.taylor@naturalengland.org.uk (or telephone 01638 721329)

Chippenham Fen NNR

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Topic season
Repeat the tree ring analysis undertaken by Kassas 1946 to show the impact of water levels on tree growth any
Research to further our understanding of the silver barred moth and its distribution on the Fen spring/summer
Investigate factors that have contributed to an increase in the dominance of rush spp in the fen meadows any
Research into the geomorphology of the reserve – in particular the origin of the raised banks/ridges on the fen any

Contact: michael.taylor@naturalengland.org.uk (or telephone 01638 721329)

Dersingham Bog

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Topic season
Design and undertake a visitor survey at Dersingham Bog NNR to understand where visitors are coming from, why they visit the site and what aspects of it they find special March-September
Develop a study to look at nightjar nest site selection through the creation of 1x1m nest plots in a variety of vegetation types at Dersingham Bog NNR - this will help us to understand the habitat requirements of nesting nightjar and allow us in the future to create nightjar nesting sites away from higher density public access in preferable habitat February for plot creation and late April to mid-August for data collection

Contact: thomas.bolderstone@naturalengland.org.uk

Hales Wood NNR

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Topic season
Survey the current deer populations and how they impact the site any
Conduct a butterfly survey across the site spring/summer
Map the tree species across the site and assess ash dieback any
Assess the value of timber and how to get best outputs whilst improving habitats any

Contact: ruth.angrave@naturalengland.org.uk

Holme Fen NNR

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Topic season
Survey the current deer populations and how they impact the site any
Conduct a bat survey across the site spring/summer/autumn
Conduct a survey of the open water habitats any
Conduct a fungi survey across the site autumn
Conduct a butterfly survey across the site spring/summer
Investigate the likely effects of climate change and possible adaptations we can put in place any
Report on the value of timber across the site and how to get best outputs whilst improving habitats any
Conduct an invertebrate study of the tree canopy spring/summer/autumn

Contact: katy.smith@naturalengland.org.uk

Monks Wood NNR

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Topic season
Research current areas of non-intervention management including long term monitoring and opportunities for further research any
Survey the current deer populations and how they impact the site any
Conduct a butterfly survey across the site spring/summer
Map the tree species across the site and assess ash dieback any
Investigate the likely effects of climate change and possible adaptations we can put in place any
Report on water quality and flow through the site any
Report on the value of timber across the site and how to get best outputs whilst improving habitats any
Conduct an invertebrate study of the tree canopy spring/summer/autumn
Conduct an invertebrate study of ground habitats spring/summer/autumn
Conduct a study of the black hairstreak butterfly summer
Survey current bat populations and roosts spring/summer/autumn

Contact: katy.smith@naturalengland.org.uk

Scolt Head Island NNR

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Topic season
Fixed point photography- collate, digitise and present historical fixed point photography from Scolt Head Island and undertake a new set of photos. Important for understanding coastal process and vegetation change any
Undertake vegetation surveys on Scolt Head Island NNR and map and compare changes from previous surveys. This will allow us to understand habitat change on site over a wide time period and allow us to effectively plan future management and research spring/summer/autumn

Contact: thomas.bolderstone@naturalengland.org.uk

Woodwalton Fen NNR

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Topic season
Survey the current deer populations and how they impact the site any
Assess the value of biomass on the site and possible markets for this material any
Survey the ditch flora and/or fauna across the site spring/summer
Assess the hydrological regime across the site any
Investigate the likely effects of climate change and possible adaptations we can put in place any
Report on the value of timber across the site and how to get best outputs whilst improving habitats any
Conduct an invertebrate study of the tree canopy spring/summer/autumn

Contact: katy.smith@naturalengland.org.uk

East Midlands

Colleyweston Great Wood and Easton Hornstocks NNR

Find out more about this reserve

Topic season
Survey the current deer populations and how they impact the site any
Investigate the likely effects of climate change and possible adaptations we can put in place any
Report on the value of timber across the site and how to get best outputs whilst improving habitats any
Conduct an invertebrate study of the tree canopy spring/summer/autumn
Conduct an invertebrate study of ground habitats spring/summer/autumn
Survey current bat populations and roosts spring/summer/autumn

Contact: ruth.angrave@naturalengland.org.uk

Saltfleetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes NNR

Find out more about this reserve.

Topic Season
Common lizard population - creation of a habitat baseline for common lizard (Zootoca vivipara); their food source and habitat requirement. How the species uses the site, how spatially dispersed and general autecology spring/summer/autumn
Grazing on saltmarsh - exploring the upper saltmarsh grazing, benefits to saltmarsh, birds, invertebrate and any other ecological benefit. Animal behaviour; visitor impact summer/autumn
Rabbit warrens mapping - where the main warren is, are they the same community, changes in behaviour with management. Animal behaviour; rabbit population and diseases spring/summer/autumn/winter
Water voles - population use of the site; habitat management; predator; animal behaviour; visitor impact spring/summer/autumn/winter
Pools and water bodies - comparison on grazed versus ungrazed location. Review of vegetation colonisation, communities, specialist species, non-native; natterjack; odonata spring/summer/autumn
Dune restoration/ dune creation vegetation colonisation - assessment of dune geomorphology and vegetation colonisation comparison; invasive species clematis, dewberry, sea buckthorn spring/summer/autumn/winter
Hydro-ecology of dunes and wet grassland - assessment of wet grassland ecology, dipwell monitoring, rewetting grassland spring/summer/autumn/winter
Social science – visitor engagement; art; wellbeing. We are keen to develop other ways of communicating with our audience about the benefits of the natural environment. Nature conservation through, for example art, history, music. New ways of engaging with our visitors spring/summer/autumn/winter
Social science – valuing the dunes. Arts-based/social science exploration of a Lincolnshire coastal reserve landscape: dune, marsh, mudflat, tidal landscape; particular focus on the value of this landscape and place for people’s health and wellbeing spring/summer/autumn/winter
Social science – sharing the dunes. Social science/arts study identifying opportunities for multi-user visitor and engagement experiences spring/summer/autumn/winter
Social science – military history; bunkers, military use, concrete spring/summer/autumn/winter

Contact delphine.suty@naturalengland.org.uk

North east of England

Castle Eden Dene

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Topic season
Write a management plan for land adjacent to the NNR to improve local biodiversity any
Produce a nitrogen action plan any
Survey the Durham coast for slow worm spring/summer
Survey Castle Eden burn and produce a bankside and riparian habitat improvement plan any
Undertake a study to record regeneration of woodland flora after clear fell operations in the softwood areas of woodland any
Juniper is an important species in the Dene, but is disappearing. This project needs to map the current extent of the plant and explore reasons for its demise and possible remedies spring/summer
Conduct an invertebrate study at the reserve spring/summer
Survey the great crested newt population in the still water bodies of the reserve spring/summer
Survey the current bat population and roost sites in the woodland area any
Undertake a study mapping the distribution of key vegetation such as rare vascular plants including rare orchids spring/summer
Survey populations and investigate the feasibility of reintroducing rare vascular plants including rare orchids that are disappearing from the site summer
Assess human disturbance to Durham brown argus populations on coastal grasslands summer
Investigation into entomological diversity of Dene; is it still the most diverse NNR in England (1986)? spring/summer
Predict effects of ash dieback and the success of natural regeneration any
Investigate reptile species found in the Dene, including determining if slow worm populations are still present summer
Survey populations of dragonfly reproducing in the ponds and watercourses summer
Study the diversity of amphibians living across the number of ponds summer

Contact: joe.davies@naturalengland.org.uk or telephone 07979 873504

Teesmouth

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Topic season
Assess effects of human disturbance to wintering / breeding birds (dog walkers, water sports, industry) winter/summer
Investigate and map invasive species threatening diversity of wet meadows and sand dunes summer
Survey a number of rare vascular plants including rare orchids summer
Survey current invertebrate species and populations spring/summer
Investigate and assess changes in invertebrate prey availability and bird usage in a 3ha tidal exchange system originally created in 1993 (some baseline data already exists) any
Investigate the impact of microplastics and their threat to wildlife any
Survey for reptile species using the reserve summer
Survey populations of dragonfly reproducing in the ponds and wet meadows summer
Undertake a study mapping the distribution of key vegetation such as rare vascular plants including rare orchids summer
Study the diversity of amphibians living across the number of ponds and wet meadows summer

Contact: joe.davies@naturalengland.org.uk (or telephone 07803 228394)

Thrislington Plantation

Find out more about this reserve

Topic season
Survey populations and distributions of northern brown argus butterfly and their larval foodplant, Helianthemum nummularium spring/summer/autumn
Survey rare plant species and plan management to for their conservation spring/summer
Undertake a vegetation survey to assess the effects of climate change using comparable historical data spring/summer
Investigating the effects and control of invasive species such as southern brome/purple moor grass on magnesian limestone grasslands summer
Investigate the importance of scrub for invertebrate communities within species rich grassland spring/summer/autumn
Survey current invertebrate species and populations spring/summer
Undertake a study of gastropod (snail) populations, compare with similar grassland sites, then determine the effect on glow worm populations summer
Undertake a study mapping the distribution of key vegetation such as rare vascular plants including rare orchids summer
Investigate the site soil and vegetation to explore why invasive southern brome is absent from some parts of the compartment and not others spring/summer

Contact: joe.davies@naturalengland.org.uk (or telephone 07979 873504)

North west of England

Cabin Hill

Find out more about this reserve

Topic season
Investigate the impacts of the 2013 grass-fire at the reserve and adjacent area, assessing vegetation recovery over time on the affected area by comparing burnt with adjacent unburned habitats. spring/summer

Contact: dave.mercer@naturalengland.org.uk (or telephone 01704 578774)

Hallsenna Moor

Find out more about this reserve

Topic season
Survey the invertebrate species within the NNR spring/summer

Contact: steve.benn@naturalengland.org.uk

London and south east of England

Aston Rowant

Find out more about this reserve

Topic season
What motivates the public to visit the reserve, where do they come from and how do they get here? spring/summer

Contact: michael.venters@naturalengland.org.uk (or telephone 07970 195090)

Castle Hill

Find out more about this reserve

Topic season
What motivates the public to visit the reserve, where do they come from and how do they get here? spring/summer
Wart-biter cricket (Decticus verrucivorus) standardised surveys to assess population size, with analysis of vegetation composition and structure, at Castle Hill and Mount Caburn NNRs spring/summer

Contact: ashley.dalleywater@naturalengland.org.uk (or telephone 07825 280931)

Kingley Vale

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Topic season
Bees are under-recorded at Kingley Vale NNR. Investigate which species use Kingley Vale and their distribution in relation to the habitats and land management spring/summer
Study of scrub encroachment at Kingley Vale NNR using existing fixed point photography and historic aerial photography any
Study of the history of grazing at Kingley Vale NNR using existing records to determine long term changes to grassland and invertebrate diversity spring/summer
Chalk heath is in decline. Study of the existing extent of chalk heath at Kingley Vale NNR spring/summer
Are reptile populations affected by visitor numbers and permitted recreational activities at Kingley Vale NNR? spring/summer
Kingley Vale NNR has an estimated 30,000 yew trees with a handful possibly being over 2000 years old. Compare invertebrates and lichens from the young trees to the ancient trees spring/summer

Contact: rachel.guy@naturalengland.org.uk (or telephone 01243 575353)

Lewes Downs (Mount Caburn)

Find out more about this reserve

Topic season
What motivates the public to visit the reserve, where do they come from and how do they get here? spring/summer

Contact: ashley.dalleywater@naturalengland.org.uk (or telephone 07825 280931)

Lullington Heath

Find out more about this reserve

Topic season
What motivates the public to visit the reserve, where do they come from and how do they get here? spring/summer
Is there any correlation between levels of atmospheric pollutants and prevailing climatic conditions at the reserve? Comparison of data collected hourly from automatic pollution monitoring station and meteorological station any time of year
Monitoring development of chalk heath plant community, using permanent quadrats, making comparisons with previous surveys to identify changes in community composition at the reserve summer

Contact: ashley.dalleywater@naturalengland.org.uk (or telephone 07825 280931)

Martin Down

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The reserve offers potential for research in the fields of ecology, entomology, botany and conservation.

Contact: mike.fussell@hants.gov.uk

Thursley

Find out more about this reserve

Topic season
What motivates the public to visit the reserve, where do they come from and how do they get here? spring/summer
Investigate the spread of common read (Phragmites australis) on the mire system of the reserve. What effects on hydrology, sediment build up, water flow and possible succession any time of year
Investigate the water chemistry of the reserve’s mire system - water quality, nutrient status, chemical analysis spring/summer/autumn
Hydrological investigation of the reserve. Utilise data gathered from the initial work on a hydrological survey to further investigate: water movement, flow rates, dispersion, micro topography (LIDAR). Could be linked in with above project summer/autumn

Contact: james.giles@naturalengland.org.uk (or telephone 01428 685675)

South west of England

Cotswold Commons and Beechwoods NNR

Find out more about this reserve

Topic season
Undertake a study of pheasant populations within Cotswold Commons and Beechwoods and their impact on the wildlife of the National Nature Reserve spring/summer/autumn
Carry out research into the impacts of pheasants on reptiles within Cotswold Commons and Beechwoods spring/summer/autumn
Conduct bat survey in Buckholt Woods with principal aims to compile species list, identify any particular areas of importance for bats in the woods and consider how the woodland might be improved for bat, such as by erecting bat boxes spring/summer/autumn

Contact: robert.wolstenholme@naturalengland.org.uk

East Dartmoor Woods and Heaths NNR

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Topic season
Compare the vegetation records taken from the Long Term Monitoring Network vegetation plots in 2017 with those taken in 2013 and 2010 any
Undertake survey and monitoring using footprint traps to identify and map dormouse use of the NNR spring/summer
Investigate the extent of holly primary in Yarner Wood and compare with past projects any
Survey ground nesting birds that use the heathland and help formulate a burning / cutting plan spring/summer
Monitor the heathland breeding bird populations, including Dartford warblers and nightjars spring/summer
Repeat the survey on fritillary butterflies and compare the results with past surveys spring/summer
Survey possible areas of blue ground beetle habitat in Bovey Valley woodlands autumn/winter
Repeat night time survey of blue ground beetle (timed counts) in Bovey Valley woodlands and Dendles Wood spring/summer
Carry out citizen science survey of lichens along wood banks with volunteers summer
Repeat the belt transect at Dendles Wood and assess all changes to living and dead vegetation since 2010 any

Contact: albert.knott@naturalengland.org.uk (or telephone 01626 831581)

Golitha Falls

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Topic season
Undertake research to understand the level and source of nitrogen deposition affecting the NNR, the effects on the lower plant assemblage (bryophytes and / or lichens) and possible mitigation measures for any significant effects identified any
Map visitor use of the NNR and identify any potential impact on lower plant communities, including possible effects of trampling on lichen communities on boulders any
Undertake a vegetation survey to map woodland plant communities within the NNR. Identify areas vulnerable to species composition change resulting from Ash dieback spring/summer
Undertake a fungi survey to provide baseline data (species list) and map any potentially important zones autumn
Survey possible areas of blue ground beetle habitat within the NNR and undertake surveys for blue ground beetle spring/summer
Undertake survey and monitoring using footprint traps to identify and map dormouse use of the NNR spring/summer
Undertake survey and monitoring to identify bat species using the NNR, and identify any particular areas of importance for bats at Golitha Falls spring/summer
What motivates the public to visit Golitha Falls, how did they learn about the NNR and what do they expect from their visit any
Undertake survey and monitoring to identify butterfly species using the NNR spring/summer
Undertake survey and monitoring to identify bird species using the NNR. This may be through Breeding Bird Survey, mist netting (with relevant BTO permit) or reactivating existing nest box survey on the NNR spring/summer or any for mist netting

Contact: mailbox.ECNNRs@naturalengland.org.uk

Goss Moor

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Topic season
Model the hydrology of the site by using historic research papers and by conducting new research any time of year
Carry out a baseline survey of water quality across all water bodies (bogs, fens, ponds and streams) any time of year
Investigate the success of large scale scrub management by mulching as a form of heathland / fenland restoration summer
Investigate the current and past distribution of mature willow carr and scrub by surveys and the use of aerial photography any time of year
Investigate the distribution and population of adders and grass-snake April to October
Investigate the distribution and population of eels any time of year
Investigate atmospheric pollution and its likely impact to the reserve any time of year
Determine visitor numbers to the reserve and then map visitor usage of the reserve summer
What motivates the public to visit the reserve, where do they come from and how do they get here? spring/summer
Map cattle and pony GPS collars. Analyse how the ponies and cattle interact and their impact on the habitat any time of year
Investigate the potential for improved grassland to be converted to a wildflower or herbal ley meadow any time of year
Survey the presence or absence of the water vole population March to September
Investigate antisocial behaviour on the reserve, such as fly tipping and motor bikes any time of year
Assess soil carbon sequestration at the farm and on the reserve any time of year

Contact: mailbox.ECNNRs@naturalengland.org.uk

Shapwick Heath

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Topic season
Ecological impact of starling roosts on the Avalon Marshes NNRs – survey water quality and freshwater invertebrates of reedbeds used by starling roosts. An active volunteer project is in place where you may benefit from knowledgeable local naturalists and help with data collection March-June
Biodiversity of veteran oak trees in Shapwick Heath NNR – active volunteer project surveying all biological life on a group of 3 veteran oak trees, a chance to benefit from knowledgeable local naturalists and help with data collection any time of year
Distribution of water voles on Shapwick Heath NNR – study water vole population distribution on Shapwick Heath NNR with access to NNR records that could constitute a long-term dataset May and/or September for surveying
Visitor impact / exploration of possibilities of sustainable transport to access the NNRs of the Avalon Marshes – study how the NNRs of the Avalon Marshes are used and accessed by visitors and pose questions and solutions as to how they could be accessed via more sustainable modes of transport, to potentially provide evidence for a new sustainable transport strategy for the area all
Value of eco-tourism stimulated by the Avalon Marshes Nature Reserves to the local economy – the economic value of eco-tourism is an increasingly important driver towards changing land uses to more wildlife-friendly and environmentally beneficial uses. Developing metrics and gathering evidence around this theme is becoming increasingly important all / any time of year

Contact: Julie.Merrett@naturalengland.org.uk

Somerset Levels

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Topic season
Distribution of freshwater invertebrates in ditch networks of the Somerset Levels NNRs – opportunity to monitor rare water beetles. Active volunteer project is in place where you may benefit from knowledgeable local naturalists and help with data collection March-June

Contact: Julie.Merrett@naturalengland.org.uk

Wistman’s Wood

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Topic season
Investigate animal movements and grazing preferences in and around Wistman’s Wood any
Establish the amount of natural regeneration occurring throughout the site within and outside the current woodland cover comparing with the regeneration occurring with the enclosure. Possible comparison with Black a tor copse spring /summer
Investigate woodland change using fixed point photography, some dating back to early this century any

Contact: albert.knott@naturalengland.org.uk (or telephone 01626 831581)

West Midlands region

Downton Gorge

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Topic season
Review / collation of existing research into the effects of pheasant rearing on invertebrates, ground flora and herptiles (literary research) any
Investigate the potential for using camera traps to monitor fallow deer usage of the site. Some previous data is available. most useful in winter

Contact: simon.cooter@naturalengland.org.uk

The Stiperstones

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Topic season
Behavioural field study of the interaction between pheasant and red grouse any
Repeat the 2002 grassland survey (plant ID required) any
Undertake the monitoring of the reserve ridge path through measurement and photographic comparison (previously carried out in 1989 and 1998) to investigate erosion of the path. (Could also use aerial drone footage on file.) preferably September / October
Carry out a survey of woodland birds in the upland oak woodland of the reserve and investigate distribution in relation to woodland vegetation communities and management (requires good bird song ID) spring
Investigate the distribution of hairy wood ant in the upland oak woodland (some previous data available) to determine the relative importance of environmental factors on nest location summer
Investigation into the genetic variability of hairy wood ants and its significance to the isolated population on the Stiperstones summer
Determine the accuracy of existing reserve visitor counters and then map visitor usage of the reserve summer
Compare the effects of cutting and burning as methods of managing heathland through analysis of regeneration of dwarf shrubs (cuts and burns are mapped annually) summer
Investigate the factors that contribute to the distribution of cowberry and crowberry within the heathland. Link with Long Mynd as a potential restoration area. spring / summer / autumn
Investigate the potential of remote sensing to map dwarf shrub and bracken cover of the heathland summer

Contact: simon.cooter@naturalengland.org.uk

Yorkshire and the Humber

Duncombe Park

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Topic season
Further analysis of the veteran tree data set looking at ‘death rates’ and tree decline rates by species and in particular modelling of existing populations using existing ‘death rates’ to assess the future likely makeup of the parkland trees and required ‘replacement rates’ any
Undertake a project to assess the extent and effects of ash dieback any, but summer easier to access
Further assessment of the waxcap populations September/ October

Contact: david.clayden@naturalengland.org.uk (or telephone 07821 352968)

Forge Valley Woods

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Topic season
Survey the current deer populations and/or grey squirrels and how they impact the trees on the reserve any
Undertake a project to assess the extent and effects of ash dieback any, but summer easier to access

Contact: david.clayden@naturalengland.org.uk (or telephone 07821 352968)

Humberhead Peatlands

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Topic season
Investigate the impacts of ongoing restoration work on flora and fauna. Wide range of species could be looked at. spring-autumn
Investigate the impacts of air pollution on the vegetation of the NNR – look at impacts of N2 and sulphur deposition on sphagnum moss any
Investigate the impacts of human and canine disturbance on ground nesting birds or other vulnerable wildlife (such as adders) spring-summer
Investigate use of the NNR by the public – who is using the site, why they are visiting, where are they going, what they value about the site spring-summer
Investigate the impacts of deer (red and roe) – look at the actual conservation impacts on areas of wet woodland and on bog vegetation, and interactions with other wildlife (such as ground nesting birds) spring-autumn
Investigate the small mammal populations on the NNR – look at the extent and locations of small mammals – water vole, water shrew, harvest mouse – and assess impacts of current management regimes spring-autumn

Contact: julian.small@naturalengland.org.uk