Short-term changes in upland soil erosion in England and Wales: 1999 to 2002

Erosion was assessed on upland sites between October 2001 and June 2002, and compared with measurements of erosion made at the same sites during previous visits (1999). In addition to highlighting the scale of changes in erosion extent and nature over the sample period, the data were used to determine the influence of field site management and weather conditions on upland erosion. Results indicated that site erosion continued over the duration of the study, with most upland regions of England and Wales experiencing increases in erosion area and volume. On 52% of the 139 sites surveyed, increases in erosion extent resulted in 705 m2 of newly exposed soil. Sheep were identified as the most frequent cause of this increased erosion, although the impacts of humans (through vehicle access, footpaths and drainage) were also extensive. Water-driven erosion processes were also prevalent in the maintenance of bare soil, both alone and in combination with other factors such as sheep, walkers and general weather conditions. Revegetation of bare soil was also an important feature of upland sites, resulting in a net decrease in erosion area on 63% of sites. The implications of these changes in erosion are discussed in the light of continuing changes in land use and management in the UK uplands, particularly those of reform of the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and in view of predicted changes in climate.