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Why are limestone dales important?

'Was you ever in Dovedale? I assure you there are things in Derbyshire as noble as in Greece or Switzerland'
- Lord Byron

Landscape Value of Limestone Dales and Lead Rakes

Looking across the expanse of the White Peak limestone plateau, the limestone dales that cut the plateau's surface are often hidden from view.

But on reaching the crest of the dale, the landscape change is obvious as the sunlight and clouds cast shadows on the opposite dale-side.

From within the dale, the landscape is a complete contrast to that of the plateau, with steep, impressive limestone cliffs looming above carpets of wildflowers that swathe the dale-sides.

Wildlife Value of Limestone Dales and Lead Rakes

For wildlife, the dales provide a refuge from the intensively farmed, often improved grassland, of the flat plateau.

Within the dale itself, the distribution of plant and animal species is not only affected by how people have used the dale e.g. for farming (see history) but also by the micro-climate. A slope that faces north will be cooler and damper than a slope that faces south. The climate at the bottom of the valley will differ from the top of the valley. These subtle changes in temperature, rainfall and humidity support different species. The result? - an amazing diversity of wildlife!

A typical Peak District limestone dale will include:

Limestone cliffs provide nesting sites for ravens as well as a sheltered location for the extremely rare Appleyard's feather-moss.
Limestone scree is difficult to colonise but lichens and the rare limestone fern manage to take hold.
Ash woodlands of international importance cling to the dale-sides and support a rich diversity of wildlife.
Grasslands range from limey to acidic soils and support a wide range of wildflowers, including wild thyme and violet.
Scrub links the woodland to the grassland and is home to a range of trees & shrubs, including hazel and hawthorn.
Lead rakes provide a place for metallophytes such as leadwort.
Rivers and streams support an incredible diversity of species, including the threatened white-clawed crayfish and water vole.

Click here to see the rocks, trees and rivers of a typical Peak District National Park limestone dale

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