Moorland heatherThe moorland and moorland fringe areas of the Yorkshire Dales National Park are extensive and are internationally important for their populations of breeding birds including merlin and golden plover. Moorland is defined as upland un-enclosed land. The moorland fringe is more difficult to define but is generally the area dominated by marginal hill pastures and associated habitats situated between the more improved enclosed pastures and the open moorland. Some moorland fringe habitat is enclosed in large moor-edge grazing allotments. Moorland in the National Park is generally defined by three broad habitats, dry heath, bog and acidic grassland much of which is wet or flushed with acidic water from springs.
Small upland wetlands
Fed by nutrient poor peaty (acidic) water these usually consist of a carpet of bog mosses overlain by sedges and rushes.
Upland heath
The dry heaths of the National Park are usually dominated by heather particularly on the intensively managed grouse moors.
Blanket and raised bog
Deep, moist spongy peat covering large flat areas provide the perfect conditions for bogs dominated by cotton-grass, heather, cowberry with cranberry, bog asphodel and round-leaved sundew.
Upland wet acidic grassland
The wet acidic grasslands, dominated by the presence of heath rush provide an important habitat for breeding birds, in particular waders, such as, curlew, lapwing and snipe.
Acidic tarns
There are numerous peaty tarns in the central, western and northern upland areas. The acidic nature of these tarns makes them relatively species poor but the boggy areas surrounding them are important for breeding waders such as curlew, lapwing and snipe.
Reservoirs
There are a number of large reservoirs in the Yorkshire Dales. These are generally of little biodiversity interest. One exception is Grimwith Reservoir that holds nationally important populations of wigeon and ringed plover.
Mining spoil
Associated with the mines there are large areas of mining spoil which usually support unique plant communities of considerable botanical interest.
Mines
There is a long history of lead mining activity in the Dales which has left a legacy of hundreds of mine shafts, bell pits and levels. These are generally of little biodiversity interest but may provide suitable conditions for hibernating bats, moths and butterflies.
Acidic rock outcrops, cliffs and scree
There are few examples of acidic outcrops and cliffs in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. They are mainly confined to exposures of shale and gritstone.
Gritstone quarries
These are generally of low biodiversity value. One or two gritstone quarries provide important nesting sites for peregrines and ravens.
Upland dry acidic grassland
The drier acidic grasslands, dominated by mat-grass or fescues, are widespread throughout the park. These types of grassland are generally species poor.
Bracken
Stands of continuous bracken are generally species poor.
