East Nidderdale Moors

Good for: Birds, Butterflies, Wildflowers

High moorland on the eastern side of the upper Nidderdale valley, between Flamstone Pin and High Ruckles, including Dallowgill, Lofthouse, Pateley, Fountains Earth and Masham Moors. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

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Parking

Parking, with due consideration, alongside the various minor roads and tracks which cross the moors.

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Access

Open access with public rights of way.

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Terrain

Rough tracks and paths, which are frequently steep and unsuitable for those with limited mobility. However, it may be possible to observe interesting wildlife from the car parking areas.

Habitat:

Blanket bog, Moorland, Rock outcrops

About the location

An important breeding area for Merlin and Golden Plover. Many other upland birds can be seen in season, including Short-eared Owl, Peregrine Falcon, Curlew, Redshank, Twite, Red Grouse, Ring Ouzel, Whinchat, Wheatear and Lapwing. A range of specialist plants grow in the acidic mires, such as Cranberry, Bog Asphodel, Cross-leaved Heath and the insectivorous Round-leaved Sundew. Dwarf shrub communities occur on the dry heath. Bilberry is a common plant and attracts Green Hairstreak butterflies, which are mostly on the wing during the month of May.