"This is to confirm that DMS have undertaken four Lowland raised Bog restoration contracts for Natural England on the South Solway Mosses NNR/SAC since 2004/5.
Over this time we have seen an evolution in the techniques used from relatively high 50cm plus bunds enclosing 400-900m2 cells covered with coir matting through to horse shoe shaped cells with bunding ranging from 250mm to 500mm high and 400m2 with coir/turf covering.
The techniques used have shown an attention to detail ensuring that the bunds are created on ombrotrophic peat with no seepage layers of degraded peat or vegetation, this has meant the overall we are looking at a cell success rate( ability to hold water at or just above ground level throughout the year of probably 95% (this figure is currently based on casual observation and not survey). The water holding ability of the cells has translated into rapid Sphagnum growth both within the cells and on the bunds.
The team used to undertake the work has proved to be conscientious with attention to detail, good communication has ensured that any problems/tweaking are quickly addressed and the team also has the ability to adapt to problems and sort them out on site rapidly.
DMS have also been willing and able to return and remedy any issues that have occurred within two or three months of construction (this sometimes happens after significant rainfall has highlighted water distribution/flow issues which require a machine to remedy.)
DMS provide comprehensive back up paperwork for all tenders both details about their work and former contracts as well as in depth information on personal, training, skills and abilities.
I would recommend DMS for future works of the type they have carried out on the South Solway Mosses and would also recommend them on their ability to adapt and to develop new techniques that take into account site specific requirements."
Alasdair Brock, Natural England, Senior Reserve Manager, North Cumbria Natural Nature Reserves
"Dinsdale Moorland Services worked on drain blocking on a previously forested blanket bog area as part of the LIFE project here in Wales. They were very efficient, provided a very high quality of work at excellent value for money, and had the capacity to cope extremely well with changing circumstances and workloads. Excellent."
Dr Jared Wilson, Project Manager, LIFE Active Blanket Bog in Wales
"I write on behalf of all members of Foxglove Management Group who are unanimously delighted with the work you have done on the reserve. Frankly, the entire approach of your company and staff has been excellent from the original planning through to the ground works and completion. We are also very impressed with the 'aftercare' and congratulate you all on a thoroughly comprehensive and professional job. The wetland is just as we had envisaged it.
We have employed numerous contractors at Foxglove over the years but none have given us anything like the same detailed service provided by Dinsdale and I should be grateful if you would pass on our thanks and appreciation."
Maj (Retd) AJ Crease, Deputy Commander DTE North.
"It was not until DMS took on a large contract for grip blocking in the Peak District three years ago that we felt confident in approaching this work on a scale that was sufficient to make a difference. Their approach has always been innovative with work carried out to a high standard. Their use of GPS to plan and undertake work is essential to the effective running of projects, and enables the customer to receive digitised information of all work carried out. Three years later the works continue and DMS are always open to any opportunity to improve techniques and make the work more cost effective for the customer. DMS are to be congratulated on their professional, innovative and reliable approach."
Sara Barrett, Natural England.
"Over the past two years, the Estate has employed Dinsdale Moorland Services on a number of occasions for the purposes of heather regeneration and found that the company’s expertise and knowledge of moorland operations to be excellent. I would certainly recommend their services for this type of contracting."
Rod Banks, Estate Manager, Grosvenor Estate.
"I know of no other contractor who has the same grasp and experience on work such as grip blocking and heather regeneration."
Richard Challoner FRICS, Davis and Bowring.
"Had a good look round the restoration work you have undertaken at Bollihope Estate yesterday. The results look excellent. The mire already looks and feels very different a few days after completion. Could you please invoice us for the project!"
Nick Mason, Field Officer, Peatscapes.
