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Deep Dale

Deep Dale © Ray Woods/Plantlife

Deep Dale © Ray Woods/Plantlife

Location: Sheldon, Derbyshire.
Grid Reference: SK 165 698

Deep Dale is a magnificent limestone dale located in the heart of the Peak District National Park.

Its importance for wildlife has been recognised by official designations as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The grassland at Deep Dale is lightly grazed by cattle, which helps to maintain the special flora.

Wild flowers at the reserve

WHAT TO SEE AND WHEN

April: toothwort, lesser celandine

May: cowslip, early-purple orchid, meadow saxifrage, spring cinquefoil

June: lily-of-the-valley, columbine, bird's-nest orchid, mountain pansy, common rock-rose

July: spring sandwort, rough hawkbit, mouse-ear hawkweed

August: grass of Parnassus, Devil's-bit scabious

The dale sides are steeply sloping and are rich in wild flowers.

Visitors in spring can expect to find swathes of early-purple orchids and cowslips dominating the grassland.

Later, in early summer they can see species such as meadow saxifrage, common rock-rose and kidney vetch.

Towards the end of the summer a number of late-flowering species begin to bloom in abundance including Devil’s-bit scabious and grass-of-Parnassus.

The reserve is also home to a large number of butterfly species including green hairsteak, dingy skipper and dark green fritillary.

Directions

View map of area

Click here to download a map of the reserve.

From Bakewell, take the A6 towards Buxton. Keep on the A6, going past turnings to Ashford in the Water on the right and Sheldon on the left. Approximately 3.5 miles from Bakewell you reach the White Lodge 'pay-and-display' car park and picnic site on the left hand side of the road. This is where you should park. To get to the reserve from the car park you should follow the footpath leading southwards. Approximately 200m from the car park you reach a stile, which is one of the entrances to the reserve.