Turf used for restoration is normally collected from ‘islands’ within the eroded area and nearby drainage works. Further turf can be collected away from the path using agreed areas, but this is seen as an exception rather than the norm. Usually in short supply, turf is used in all site restoration, including:
- Defining and establishing a path edge
- Naturalising imported blocking boulders
- Re-vegetating eroded areas, especially braids and shortcuts
- Covering stone and spoil mounds
- Spot turfing large reseeded areas to aid stabilisation and lessen visual impact
Turfs should be dug as large and deep as possible to improve their chance of survival. Ideally the work shouldn't take place in dry weather and we try to transplant the turf as quickly as possible to reduce soil and moisture loss.
Spot turfing should be done as randomly as possible with preferably 25 to 30% cover. Rushes and heather can also be transplanted and will aid path definition, but great care needs to be taken to get a large deep root-ball to help them survive.
Photo below: Shows pitched path with turf placed at the sies to prevent debris getting on the path and aid revegetation of the spoil.
