Nature and wildlife

The Yorkshire Dales is the location of both internationally important habitats and home to rare species.

The limestone grasslands have unusual plants that have adapted to the thin limestone soils with low levels of nutrients. In summer Wild Thyme (with its distinctive smell), Fairy flax, Harebell, and Common Rock-rose will be in flower. In the valley bottoms are flower rich hay meadows and pastures that thrive due to the traditional farming methods, and in the early summer areas of thick peat will appear white with the nodding heads of cottongrass flowers.

Many of the trails pass though old lead mining areas and these historical remains provide habitat for a whole host of species. Mines along with caves can provide habitat for bats. The mine spoil also supports a unique range of plants which are able to tolerate the high levels of toxic heavy metals. Rare species growing on these spoils include the white flowers of Spring sandwort and Alpine pennycress. These birds breed in spring and it is important to stick to the legal trails to minimise disturbance.

Crossing the higher ground you are likely to come across many birds, especially in spring and summer. There is the curlew with its distinctive cry and curved bill, and the lapwings with their ‘drunken’ flight. On the moorlands you may well see red grouse, and hear the skylarks up above

You can find out more about the wildlife of the area by looking at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority's website, Nature in the Dales.