Natural Habitats

A combination of geology, man’s influence and high rainfall has produced waterlogged, acidic, infertile soil in the uplands with peat blanket bogs and wet heathland.

Where the millstone of the sky Grinds light and shadows so purple fine
-Remains of Elmet, Ted Hughes 1979

The unique plants that grow on blanket bogs depend on the upland’s waterlogged conditions for their survival. So any changes in the water level due to drainage, abstraction or reduction in rainfall can be disastrous. Drying out of wet bogs can increase risk of fires with a consequent release of carbon, thus further contributing to climate change.

On drier areas where the geology allows more drainage or further down the valley slopes, acid grassland and heather moorland occurs.

Bracken is also a characteristic plant of the moors. Once valued and gathered for use as animal bedding it is now seen as invasive and reducing the amount of land available for sheep grazing. It is home to some wildlife, and provides cover for small birds such twite and whinchat.

The uplands of the Natural Area are traditionally grazed by sheep which prevents a build up of nutrients and prevents competitive plants from becoming dominant. Too little or too much grazing can alter the delicate balance of important wildlife on the moors.

Occasional winter burning is also used to stimulate new plant growth. However mis-timed or poorly controlled burning can seriously damage the upland habitats.

The combination of wet heath, blanket bog and heather moorland/acid grassland make the uplands of the Natural Area internationally important for birds. The presence of inbye land is also critical to complete the ideal range of conditions some birds need (e.g. Twite).

Many of the Southern Pennine moors are managed for red grouse, the traditional bird for shooting as sport. Management generally involves small scale rotational burning during the winter to provide a combination of young heather shoots for feeding and older heather in which to nest. Burning prevents the growth of scrub and reduces the build up of plant litter.

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