Category
Instrumented sites
Capabilities
UKLFN integrates multiple smaller UKCEH networks and projects to form a growing UK-wide network across a range of habitats and land uses including agriculture and peatland. Each UKLFN station delivers direct and continuous (near real time) measurements of CO2 flux at field scale (encompassing areas of tens or hundreds of metres) using advanced eddy covariance techniques alongside hydro-meteorological and soil physics equipment. Stations operate off-grid with unique power systems and automated telemetry for remote data retrieval. Stations can be adapted to investigate specific scientific projects, hypotheses and measurements, including local heat flux. Additional variables, such as leaf area index (LAI) are manually collected. Equipment is routinely maintained and calibrated to ensure high quality data, and an automated data system enables analysis of near real time datasets.
Lifecycle
UKLFN was established in 2013 with 9 sites; expanded to 31 sites (36 systems, including Northern Ireland) in 2021; then 39 sites (44 systems) planned in 2022. Measurement capability has increased over the network lifecycle with new sites able to measure other GHGs (CH4 and N2O) in addition to CO2.
Uniqueness
UKLFN is the largest network of GHG flux stations in the UK that provides a variety of biogeochemical and hydro-meteorological measurements in near real time across a range of land uses and habitat types. UKLFN integrates smaller networks (such as Lowland Peat Network) and individual sites funded and operated by interested stakeholders to investigate specific land uses and unique hypotheses.
Access
UKLFN data are freely available via the UKCEH Environmental Information Data Centre (EIDC) under "Flux (CO2, water and energy) and meteorological data in UK". Near real time data is accessible for partners on request, and can be delivered by email. For collaborative research and field work, enquiries should be made to UKCEH facility manager, Ross Morrison.
Location
UKLFN is managed primarily from UKCEH Wallingford, with coordination from all UKCEH stations. UKLFN operates a large and growing number of sites distributed throughout the UK (in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) across a range of land uses and habitat types.
Funding sources
UKLFN is funded by UKRI-NERC National Capability LTSS: UK-SCaPE programme; plus various projects (competitively won income).
Users
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UKLFN users include UKCEH and university researchers, project partners and government policy-makers concerned with GHG emissions, removal, accounting and mitigation.
Last updated
28 April 2022 13:21
