Ranworth Marshes East Of Ranworth Broad Woodbastwick Road Ranworth Norfolk
This application is to enable scientific monitoring of carbon dioxide and water (evaporation) exchange between an area of wet woodland at Ranworth and the atmosphere. The project will install an eddy covariance flux mast and associated meteorological, hydrological and soil physical sensors at the Ranworth site. A solar power system will also be installed on the closest access track (see attached photographs of solar system). The flux tower will be installed on a 20 m tall (at maximum extension) extendible mast (see attached technical drawing) within the woodland. The mast will be supported (to prevent subsidence into the peat) by a low environmental impact wooden base of approximately 3 m x 3 m (exact construction to be determined on a site visit). The flux sensors must be installed at height that is twice the height of the woodland canopy, and it is expected that the height of the mast will be 12 to 14 m (assuming a 6 or 7 m tall canopy). All flux and meteorological sensors will be installed on the mast. A small gas canister within a gas cage that is required for automated calibration of the main instrument will be installed at the base of the extendible mast. Supporting sensors, including a temperature and moisture probe (0.5 m depth), a dipwell access tube (2 mdepth) for water levels, and two small plates for monitoring of soil heat fluxes (0.03 m depth) will be installed in the soil within 2 m of the mast. The solar array (four solar panel and a box containing batteries) will be installed in the closest suitable open area (access track). Power to the flux tower from the solar power system will be provided via an armored cable - THIS APPLICATION WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE BROADS AUTHORITY - BA/2023/0001/FUL