We have used a range of techniques to restore the bog: peat plugs, stone and coir dams, retaining and slowing the flow of water from the reserve and filtering it through transplanted sphagnum to retain peat particles!

Drought periods during recent summers have not helped the habitat, however restored pools have held onto water much longer, the deepest holding onto moisture even through the long drought this summer.

What is always a joy is to see how quickly wildlife colonises the pools created. We’ve had dragonflies laying eggs within hours of the diggers moving on, frogs moving in within days and a whole host of invertebrates taking advantage. Research has shown a rapid turnover of invertebrate communities in these pools over the following weeks and months, all providing a rich menu for beasties further up the food chain!

Volunteers have played a major part in successful restoration, installing coir dams and suffering frozen fingers to translocate sphagnum onto bare peat on bitter winter days. Where the sphagnum knits together over bare peat water is held onto much longer and the healing process can begin, as the sphagnum layer deepens new peat starts to form, slowing and filtering the water further and raising the water table.

The Northumberland Peat Partnership have grasped the baton of peat restoration on Whitelee, they have a huge challenge to deliver restoration over a vast area of the site this coming winter. With support from Northumbrian Water Integrated Catchment Funding, they have undertaken extensive surveys of erosion channels, developed new restoration plans and are in advanced discussions with contractors to undertake the works by the end of March 2027, watch this space for lots of lovely new habitat!

In addition to the restoration works NPP have secured funding (Species Recovery Programme Grant) to undertake invertebrate surveys on several sites, including Whitelee and The Wou. A national expert has been contracted, surveys will concentrate on sphagnum pools, and we’re hoping he will find the rare Cloud Living Spider, along with a host of other new records.

With lots of new habitat being created, any rarities found will hopefully have plenty of opportunities to expand their population!