Habitat Enhancement Plan (The HEP)

The purpose of the HEP fund is to enable environmental improvement works within the uplands and their peripheral areas around the Scout Moor Wind Farm, so as to achieve the conservation, restoration and enhancement of wildlife interests.

Historic burning, over-grazing, drainage and pollution have resulted in major damage to, and losses of, moorland habitats In Lancashire and Greater Manchester.

The primary focus of the HEP fund is therefore to re-wet blanket bog and to enhance other upland habitats, including heathland. In addition, however, many of the species that are characteristic of these areas may also depend on adjacent grasslands, and therefore the HEP fund aims to maximise the value of such areas for nature conservation.

Local Biodiversity Action Plans have been developed for such habitats, for example, the Lancashire Biodiversity Action Plan which can be found at http://www.lancspartners.org/lbap/habitat_plans.asp. The HEP fund would be directed towards measures that further these Action Plans.