Deep Dale
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).
Early-purple orchids and cowslips at
Deep Dale
©Peter Wilson/Plantlife
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, while in early summer species such as Meadow Saxifrage, Common Rock-rose and Kidney Vetch can be seen.
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.
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 grassland at Deep Dale is lightly grazed by cattle, which helps to maintain the special flora.
Location: Sheldon, Derbyshire. Grid Reference: SK 165 698
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links
Map and directions Click below to see the map and directions for the reserve
See how close this reserve is to the National Cycle Network. Click below to see the map
Further details
For further details contact the Plantlife Office or e-mail joe.costley@ plantlife.org.uk