News
Connecting and developing woodland and grasslands in the White Peak
We've recently started caring for an additional 57 hectares of land, including ancient woodland and species-rich grassland, at Grindon in the White Peak area of the Peak District.
Developing, protecting and connecting woodland and grassland.
This will allow us to protect, connect and develop fantastic examples of woodland and grassland, some of which have already been recognised for their scientific importance or are designated as Special Areas of Conservation.
Improving biodiversity and climate resilience
The aim is to protect and improve the biodiversity of the area by ensuring important plants, animals, birds and insects, including pollinators like butterflies and bees, have the best conditions to live and feed in this patch of the Peak District.
Not only will the work we plan to do help to protect these special sites, it will also create the right conditions for nature to thrive, capture carbon and make the area more resilient as our climate changes.
An important place for people, nature and climate
General Manager at the National Trust in the Peak District, Craig Best explained:
“The land at Grindon has huge potential because of the wonderfully nature rich parcels of woodland, grassland and hay meadow that are already there. They’re wonderful to look at in the different seasons of the year and vital for our ecosystem too. When I visited earlier this year it was a real spectacle to see hundreds of meadow brown butterflies in such a small area. From the wildflowers in spring and summer to the autumn colour of woodlands, these places add to the beauty of our countryside landscape and they’re extremely important homes for wildlife.”
“We know we can build on the fantastic work done by previous owners and custodians of this land and we’re looking forward to creating even more places for nature to thrive around these good examples. The fact that the area connects with land already in our care and joins with land looked after by the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, gives us a brilliant opportunity to work together with them and the local farming community to make a bigger positive impact for people, nature and climate.”
Trees, woodland and wood pasture
We will plant and encourage the natural regeneration of native trees such as small and large leaved lime, field maple, whitebeam, cherry, crab apple, guelder rose and hawthorn so that wildlife can benefit from the food and shelter they provide. This means in years to come the size of woodland and wood pasture will increase and there will also be more scattered trees and shrubs across the landscape.
Species-rich grasslands
We will protect and develop species-rich grasslands. This will improve soil health which will create a better diet for grazing animals, at the same time as reducing the risk of flooding.
Eventually, the work will help to create areas of shade and shelter for grazing animals, small mammals and birds as global temperatures rise and we see more extremes in our weather patterns.
In addition, it will contribute to providing a good quality and diverse food source for a variety of creatures from the smallest insect to the largest grazing animal.
Maintaining access for people
We’re keen to make sure access to footpaths and bridleways is maintained so the local community can enjoy spending time in nature and exploring the area.