page_title: Cow Myers (wetland)
section_title: Maintenance
hierarchical_section_title: Cow Myers (wetland) / Maintenance
caption_attribution_description: Cow Myers, Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), between Ripon and Kirkby Malzeard, North Yorkshire, England. This site consists of fen (wetland with reeds) encircled by carr (wetland with trees). There is no public access or vehicle access to this site. Showing deer path with silver birches.
context_page_description: Cow Myers is a Site of Special Scientific Interest located in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, near Ripon, North Yorkshire, England. The site was designated in 1984 for its fen and alder carr habitat, which supports a diversity of wetland plant life. Of particular interest are the bird's eye primrose which is scarce in Yorkshire, and early marsh orchid. There is no public access to this site, no vehicular access, and no public facilities.
context_section_description: In the flush and spring fen, the underground aquifers which waterlog this site contain particular minerals, and it is the combination of the minerals and water levels which affects the diversity of plantlife here. Thus the aquifers must be protected from agricultural and commercial water abstraction, and from industrial contamination such as pollution and fertiliser. Light grazing by cattle is recommended to keep the springs clear, and light, seasonal trampling of the fen by cattle is considered an advantage. However enrichment of soil by cowpats and animal feed is discouraged, because the protected fen plants require poor soil.
  Regarding the lowland wet woodland, or carr, the recommendation is for minimum disturbance. This allows trees to mature, fall, and create clearings, while maintaining the delicate balance of fragile soils. Clearings permit a variation of wind, sun and shadow, promoting growth of a variety of understorey plants. It might sometimes be necessary to clear vegetation, or even coppice some trees, to maintain areas of light in the carr. Natural England suggests that public access near deep pools and potentially falling trees should be restricted.
  Cow Myers is located in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and sometimes the organisation's volunteers are brought in to assist with maintenance.
caption: A deer path through silver birches at Carr Myers
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