South West Peak

Description

The South West Peak comprises a similar mix of habitats to the Dark Peak, but in a much more intimate mosaic, with smaller blocks of moorland fringed with rush pastures, hedges, rivers and farmland.

South West Peak Description (275KB)

Vision

Our Vision for the South West Peak is of an intimate mosaic of heathland, blanket bog, woodland, grassland and wetland habitats on ridges, plateaux and slopes. This close mosaic, sensitively managed, will support fringe species which rely on more than one habitat.

Botanically-rich rush pastures and hay meadows will be enhanced and expanded, providing habitat for lapwing, curlew and snipe; and sources of nectar for invertebrates. Moorlands rich in dwarf shrubs like bilberry will buzz with the sound of bilberry bumblebee which is dependent on a mosaic of moorland and flower-rich grasslands.

River corridors will be enhanced through safeguarding existing habitats of value, protection of rivers against pollution, enhanced riparian management, retention and, where appropriate, restoration of natural hydrological regimes and the reinforcement of habitat corridors through appropriate habitat restoration and creation. Such habitats of value will include the rivers/streams themselves, bankside vegetation, valley bottom marshes, valley-side flushes, flood meadows, wet grassland, unimproved pasture and wet woodland.