Phenology of moorland plants; towards estimating temporal window for remote sensing of peatland restoration

This paper reports on study of moorland plant phenology using field spectroradiometry to establish suitable temporal windows for remotely sensed monitoring of peatland restoration. Establishing a spectral library of phenological change for key moorland species through field spectroradiometry will allow recommendations to be made on the optimal timing of data acquisition for airborne and satellite monitoring. Variations in spectral response are being recorded for pure species plots and mixed plots at reseeded sites, and related to changes in vegetation. Indices using absorption features in the visible to mid infrared, are being used to help characterise the changing response. The paper will present initial field results from the 2009 monitoring. Early July is suggested as the best time for separation of the different species. Broadband indices show a peak in bilberry as the albedo is at its highest, with the increase in LAI of vivid green leaves. The common cotton grass show less seasonal change, suggesting ongoing work will need to focus on the absorption features in the SWIR.