THE EFFECT OF OPEN DRAINAGE DITCHES ON THE PLANT AND INVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES OF MOORLAND AND ON THE DECOMPOSITION OF PEAT

There has been little advantage in the extensive use of open drainage ditches in the uplands. The small changes that occur at lower altitudes appear to have contributed little to improve the moors for sheep or red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus. Any improvement in the nutritional value of Calluna vulgaris is offset by decline in cover and the spread of unpalatable grasses. Adverse effects arising from the loss of heterogeneity on the drained areas may well produce a net disadvantage for grouse populations. -from Authors