Peat depth and quality
The site contains a mix of deep and shallow peat, with the deepest areas found to the west of the site and more scattered, shallow areas elsewhere, including along the eastern access track. About 51 per cent of depths recorded across the site were less than 0.3m, and therefore not classified as peat.
Peat naturally stores large amounts of carbon, supports important habitats and is home to sensitive species. Using the survey data collected to date, we have positioned the proposed turbine locations to avoid areas of deep or near natural peat. The project also offers significant potential for enhancing the degraded peatland found on site.
Strengthening the condition and long‑term resilience of this peatland is one of our core commitments for the project.
As the design progresses, a Peat Management Plan (PMP) will be developed setting out how excavated peat will be managed and re‑used on site during construction and operation.
In parallel, habitat and biodiversity enhancement proposals, including post‑construction restoration and monitoring to support long‑term peatland recovery, will also be progressed alongside this.
Cultural heritage
There is one designated asset at the site, a prehistoric cairn near the summit of Low Ridge, protected as a Scheduled Monument. It forms part of a wider landscape of similar ancient features extending beyond the site to the north.
Across the site, there are also 61 non‑designated heritage features. Most of these relate to post‑medieval mining and quarrying from the 18th and 19th centuries, including former mines, lead workings and quarries. There is also evidence of prehistoric activity in the form of cairns, cists and cup-marked stones, particularly in the northern part of the site and along Arndale Beck. Evidence of flint working has also been recorded throughout the site.
Mitigation measures, such as adjusting the layout of the turbines and protective measures during construction, will be used to avoid or reduce impacts on archaeological and heritage assets.
Ecology and habitats
The site contains a wide mix of habitats, including various grasslands, heathlands, wetlands, blanket bog, fens, swamps, scrub, woodland, rock outcrops, watercourses and small built‑up areas.
Proposed infrastructure will be carefully sited to avoid key areas of ecological sensitivity wherever possible and a range of mitigation and enhancement measures will be implemented to safeguard ecological features. An Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) will be appointed for the duration of the construction and reinstatement phases to oversee the safeguarding of sensitive habitats and species, ensure compliance with ecological requirements, and supervise the delivery of all mitigation and enhancement measures.
Hydrology and hydrogeology
The ground beneath the site is made up of different rock types, peat and glacial deposits, with areas of sand and gravel above. These all influence how water moves and collects. There are no protected drinking‑water areas at the site. The area drains into several small watercourses, and overall flood risk is low and generally limited to narrow areas close to these channels.
Any additional surface water generated by the project will be managed using Sustainable Drainage (SuDS) principles to mimic natural runoff. A Flood Risk Assessment will be included in the Environmental Statement, alongside other appropriate mitigation measures.
Public rights of way
The site contains a limited number of existing Public Rights of Way (PRoW), which have been taken into account in the proposed turbine layout.
There may be a need to divert some of these PRoWs during the construction phase to allow for the turbines to be installed and they will be maintained through the operational phase of the project.
Opportunities to enhance access would be explored as part of the wind farm design. For example, new or upgraded access tracks could potentially be used to help make the area more open and accessible to the public, where appropriate.
