Appendix 6
Appendix 5 The Natural Assets Of Northwest England
Produced by TEAM for Northwest Development Agency.
Audit and maps prepared by Graham Barrow Research and Consulting Ltd and Rigby Jerram Ecological Consultants. For further information on this audit please contact Graham Barrow at graham@gbrcltd.co.uk or 01625 573807
Introduction This appendix brings together in map and tabular form the results of an assessment of the regionally significant natural assets of Northwest England. In describing the natural assets we have taken into consideration: • •
•
Those biological and natural environment sites which are of regional significance due to their scale, rarity, visual impact and scientific interest Those sites and species which could have popular appeal and could be the basis of recreational and educational visits (although not all the sites identified will have full public access and any recreational or educational facilities at present) Sites which could be used to promote the natural assets of the north west as a whole and are more than of local interest
We have used a classification of the natural assets into 11 groups as follows and for each category we have suggested the top 3 regional gems (described in each section): Classification of Natural Assets in Northwest England NATURAL ASSET 1. Landscape character
2. Natural habitats
3. Notable species of plants and animals
4. Lakes and rivers
5. Viewpoints
6. Mountains
NOTE High quality attracts visitors and defines positive image
EXAMPLES Arnside-Silverdale AONB Central Lakes
MAIN INFO SOURCE Combined Character Areas (EN and CA)
Small remnants very important for wildlife and special interest visitors Species with wide popular appeal
Cheshire meres Heather moorland on Bowland
Nature on the Map (EN)
Red squirrels at Formby Osprey at Bassen’te Lake Windermere Cheshire ring canal
NW Biodiversity Strategy
Shutlingsloe Arnside Knott Alderley Edge (car)
From OS maps and local knowledge
Pendle Hill Helvellyn Shutlingsloe
From knowledge of the region
Delamare Forest, Cheshire Grizedale Forest, Cumbria Whitbarrow
Forestry Commission web site
Natural attraction of inland water and major angling resources (lakes, reservoirs, rivers and canals) Important popular viewpoints (with easy access)
7. Woodlands and forests
Walking and climbing appeal as well as landscape significance Important for recreation
8. Geology
Prominent rocks,
natureonthemap.org. uk
natureonthemap.org. uk
biodiversitynw.org.uk
Environment Agency web site
environmentagency.gov.uk/subjects/f ish
forestry.gov.uk/forestry /recreation
Nature on the Map
9. Landscaped parkland
10. Coastline
11. Remoteness
geological exposures and mines
limestone pavem’t Sandstone ridges
(EN)
Major parkland with historic and recreational importance(often with historic houses) Landforms – dunes, cliffs, estuaries, saltmarshes – which are attractive and important for natural processes Rare commodity in England
Tatton Park, Cheshire Haigh Country Park, Wigan
English Heritage Register of Parks and gardens.
Sefton Coast St Bees Head Ribble Estuary Dee estuary
North West Coast Partnership
North Pennine moors. West Lakes
Light Pollution maps cpre.org.uk
natureonthemap.org. uk
northwestcoast.org. uk
The sections below provide notes for the categories. We have also produced maps illustrating seasonal highlights, underutilised areas and locations for recreational activities.
1. Landscape Character The landscapes of the Northwest are amongst the most diverse in the UK, including the highest mountains and largest lakes in England, internationally important estuaries with extensive mudflats, deciduous woodlands, moorlands and large rivers and wetlands. Utilising the combined character areas identified by English Nature and the Countryside Agency (with some combinations of their areas) we have identified 16 distinct landscape character areas, each with a character which provides a different backcloth for recreational activity. The 16 areas are shown on Map 1.1 and described below. Map 1.2 shows the officially designated protected landscape areas. Natural Recreation Zone
Natural Assets
1. Border Moors
Upland rolling moors, just south of the Scottish Border. Much peat and glacial deposits which give rise to the extensive open landscape of moorland and bog Estuary and estuarine raised mires. The largest concentration of relatively intact raised bog in Britain. Saltmarsh, shingle, sand dune, maritime grassland and heath and raised mire communities.
2. Solway Coast and Plain
Key environmental attributes for recreation Forests and moors
Coastal mudflats and estuary birds
Natural Recreation Zone
Natural Assets
3. West Cumbria Coast
Mossland at the head of the Duddon Estuary, coastal tarns, basin mires and wet grasslands, rivers and lagoons, the valley woodlands and the rougher wet grasslands to the north and east of Workington. Cliff coast at St Bees. Mountain heaths, grasslands and rock and scree communities. Sub-montane heath, grassland and mire communities and locally extensive woodlands - rich in Atlantic bryophytes. Lakes, tarns and rivers and associated habitats include swamps and marshy grasslands. The wildlife interest of the area lies in the outstanding aquatic and wetland habitats associated with the River Eden and its tributaries, the river gorge and valley woods, the few remaining heaths and mires; and the remaining examples of species-rich meadow and pasture Intertidal sandflats and saltmarsh, gravelly or muddy beaches backed by low limestone cliffs. Limestone hills, with cliffs and scree slopes, rising above the low-lying pastures and wetlands. Semi-natural habitats, including limestone pavements, scrub, semi-natural coppice woodland, herb-rich grasslands, peaty fenlands and mosslands. Inland, scrub woodland including juniper, and unimproved grasslands on gently undulating hills, divided by shallow valleys with hedgerows and damson orchards. Steep-sided, rounded hills, in a well defined pattern of pronounced ridges and valleys. Extensive open moorland of rough grass and bracken, with steep scree slopes and occasional waterfalls and crags. Fast flowing rivers. Dome of moorland incised by steep, wooded river valleys and surrounded by a soft, undulating landscape with a mosaic of rush-filled pastures, herb-rich hay meadows and broadleaved woodland, separated by lush agricultural grassland, parkland and water bodies. The area has many fastflowing upland streams and rivers. Sandy beach backed by urban resort
4. Lake District
5. Eden Valley and North Pennines
6. Morecambe Bay and Limestone Hills
7. Yorkshire Dales and Howgill Fells
8. Forest of Bowland
9. Blackpool Coast
Key environmental attributes for recreation Dunes, cliff coast
High mountains, inland water, woodlands
Moorland, rivers, small woodlands
Estuary and birds Limestone hills and flora
Grassland hills, rivers
Moorland, upland grasslands
Beach
Natural Recreation Zone
Natural Assets
10. Lancashire Plain
Largely arable, horticulture and dairy farming. The mosslands still retain some fragments of the once extensive peat bogs and a few flower-rich meadows. Ancient woodlands are scattered through the valleys. Lakes and reservoirs support nesting waterfowl during the summer months and significant wintering waterfowl. The marshes of the coastal plain also support nesting waders. The numerous field ponds support populations of the great crested newt. The broad valley of the River Calder and its tributaries running northeast/southwest between natural backdrops of Pendle Hill and the Southern Pennines. Significant industrial heritage associated with cotton weaving and textile industries leaving under-utilised mill buildings, mill lodges and ponds. A number of large country houses with associated parklands. Remnants of agricultural land fragmented by industry and scattered development. Small woodlands are limited to cloughs on valley sides. Estuaries of Mersey and Ribble with extensive areas of mudflats, sandflats, saltmarsh and grazing marsh. Very high numbers of wildfowl and waders and also important staging posts for migrating birds during spring and autumn. Sand dunes dominate the Sefton Coast A diverse range of plant and animal communities occur including nationally important populations of natterjack toads and sand lizards. Peninsula punctuated by wooded sandstone ridges and gorse-clad sandstone outcrops. Mixed agricultural and land interspersed with residential development, with extensive areas given over to “horsiculture�. Coastal scenery of intertidal mud/sand flats and salt marshes along the Dee estuary and extensive dune systems, particularly at Meols. Predominantly mixed woodland with a high proportion of mature pines.
11. Lancashire Valleys and North Pennines
12. Sefton Coast
13. Wirral
Key environmental attributes for recreation Wetlands, woodlands wildfowl
Parklands Watercourses and ponds
Sand dunes, estuary birds, Red squirrels Natterjack toads
Saltmarsh, sandstone hills
Natural Recreation Zone
Natural Assets
14. Manchester and Merseyside area
The Urban Mersey Basin is a densely populated part of the country. Major rivers are the Mersey and Irwell with an associated network of canals, rivers and valleys, around which the major cities and industries have developed. Raised bogs remain intact and are being restored. Dunham Park is the finest example in the North West region of ancient wood pasture, being especially important for deadwood beetles. The most distinctive ancient woodlands of the Urban Mersey Basin are those associated with narrow valleys - the 'cloughs'. Extensive gently rolling plain, interrupted by sandstone ridges. Mosses, meres and small field ponds are scattered throughout; subsidence flashes occur to the east of the Cheshire Plain. Woodlands are few, restricted to deciduous and mixed woods on the steeper slopes of sandstone ridges, and some of the more difficult wet areas. There are locally extensive tracts of coniferous woodland. The plentiful hedgerow trees give the appearance of a well-wooded landscape. Large country estates with historic houses and parkland. Expansive moorland with heather on hill tops and ridges and small scale enclosed farmland with herb-rich hay meadows and rushy pastures in valleys. Long, uninterrupted views from hills to Cheshire Plain and Mersey basin. Fringes to the upland dissected by river valleys with fast flowing streams which create an intricate ridge and valley landscape of distinctive pattern and character. Remains of former coal mining, quarrying and mills, particularly in the area around Poynton and Bollington.
15. Cheshire
16. Peak District Fringe
Key environmental attributes for recreation Rivers, canals and estuary, ponds
Meres, rivers Sandstone ridges
Hill land, Grasslands, woodlands, upland flora and fauna
2. Natural Habitats Whilst it is well documented that little or no areas of the UK are truly “natural�, there are a range of habitats which are valuable for wildlife and where natural processes and habitats are to the fore. These sites have been identified by English Nature and they are designated with a range of national and international protections. The north west of England has a very wide range of natural habitats influenced by having the highest mountains in England, a number of important estuaries and mudflats as well as areas of limestone and sandstone geology and important remnants of ancient woodland. The inland water bodies, including the main rivers and canal system also add to the range of habitats Map 3 shows those sites throughout the NW where the nature conservation interest is of national and sometimes of international significance and hence can be considered to be the best examples of those habitats in the region. Whilst some of the sites are extensive tracts of upland, other smaller sites such as meres and small woods may be equally important as refuges for particular plants or animals. The sites are listed beside Map 2. The three regional natural habitat gems chosen are; 1. Morecambe Bay and the Duddon Estuary 2. The Borrowdale Woodlands 3. The North Pennine Moors
Natural Habitat Gems
Morecambe Bay
Borrowdale Woodland
North Pennine Moorland
3. Notable Species of Plants and Animals We have selected a number of wildlife species, considered to be those that have widest popular appeal and could be an attraction for visitors, if they are presented and interpreted in an interesting and lively way. This is a selected list and consists of charismatic species of animals, birds and plants that can be found in north west England with reasonable certainty. Some of these species are only visible at certain times of the year. Good photographic images of these species could be used to define the wildlife appeal of the region The species with popular appeal are shown on Maps 3.1 - 3.5: •
Red squirrel
•
Otter
•
Red Deer
•
Golden Eagle
•
Osprey
•
Hen Harrier
•
Marsh Harrier
•
Bittern
•
Wintering Geese
•
Wintering Swans
•
Wintering Waders
•
Breeding Seabirds
•
Breeding Terns
•
Butterflies
•
Wild Daffodils
•
Bluebells
Map 3.1 provides the summary of sites where these species can be seen. The three chosen regional gems are considered to be: 1. Wintering Wading Birds 2. Red Squirrels 3. Wild daffodils
Species Gems
Wintering waders
Red Squirrel
Natterjack Toad
Sites where species with popular appeal can be seen 1
Solway Firth
2
Geltsdale Fells
3
Skiddaw & Blencathra Fells Lazonby Fell Wan Fell Moor House & Cross Fell Bassenthwaite Lake
4 5 6 7
8
Appleby Fells
9 10
St Bees Head Ennerdale Fells
11
Buttermere Fells
12
Borrowdale Woods
13 14
Armboth Fell Thirlmere Woods
15
Helvellyn Fells
16 17
Gowbarrow Park Haweswater Fells
18
Riggindale, Haweswater Shap Fells
19 20 21 22 23
Crosby Ravensworth Fells Sunbiggin Moor Drigg Dunes
27
Duddon Valley Woodlands Witherslack Woods Brigsteer Woods Hodbarrow Lagoon Duddon Estuary
28
Morecambe Bay
24 25 26
Estuary supporting wintering and passage waders and wildfowl with extensive sand and mud flats and saltmarsh. Saltmarsh supports breeding colonies of natterjack toad Heather moorland and blanket bog supporting red grouse, black grouse and hen harrier. RSPB Reserve Upland grassland, heather moorland and blanket bog with montane heath on summits Lowland heath Lowland heath Heather moorland and blanket bog with species rich flushes and limestone grassland. National Nature Reserve Lake supporting rare vendace fish and breeding osprey, with extensive areas of fringing fen and woodland. National Nature Reserve. Heather moorland and blanket bog with species rich flushes and limestone grassland The only sea bird colony in NW England. RSPB Reserve Heather moorland, montane heath and upland grassland with herb-rich ledges Heather moorland, montane heath and upland grassland with herb-rich ledges Upland oak woods rich in mosses, liverworts and lichens, supporting red squirrel and upland woodland bird communities Heather moorland and blanket bog with red deer herds Upland oak woods rich in mosses, liverworts and lichens, supporting red squirrel and upland woodland bird communities Heather moorland, montane heath and upland grassland with herb-rich ledges Broadleaved woodland with daffodils Upland grassland and blanket bog with red deer herds. RSPB Reserve Home of England’s only golden eagle. RSPB Reserve Heather moorland and blanket bog with red deer herds. RSPB Reserve Heather moorland and upland grassland Heather moorland and upland grassland Sand dunes with breeding terns and gulls. Local Nature Reserve Broadleaved woodland Broadleaved woodland Broadleaved woodland with daffodils Saline lagoon with sand dunes supporting breeding terns, natterjack toad and wintering waterfowl. RSPB Reserve Estuary supporting wintering and passage waders and wildfowl with extensive sand and mud flats and saltmarsh. Saltmarsh and sand dunes supports breeding colonies of natterjack toad Estuary supporting wintering and passage waders and wildfowl
29 30
Gait Barrows and Hawes Water Leighton Moss
31
Wharton Crag
32
Roeburndale Woods Bowland Fells
33 34 35
Redscar & Tun Brook Woods Ribble Estuary
36
Ainsdale Sand Dunes
37
Martin Mere
38 39
Dark Peak Dee Estuary
40
Dibbinsdale Woods Mersey Estuary
41 42 43 44 45
Warburton’s Well & Well Wood Dunham Park Cotteril Clough Leek Moors
with extensive sand and mud flats and saltmarsh. Limestone pavement, broadleaved woodland and limestone grassland with a host of rare butterflies and plants. National Nature Reserve Largest reedbed in NW England, plus fen, woodland and saltmarsh, supporting marsh harrier, bittern, bearded tit and many other bird species Limestone pavement, grassland and woodland with a wealth of butterflies and plants Broadleaved woodland Heather moorland and blanket bog supporting red grouse and hen harrier Broadleaved woodland Estuary supporting wintering and passage waders and wildfowl with extensive sand and mud flats and saltmarsh. Sand dunes supporting rare plants, natterjack toad and sand lizard, with red squirrels in pine plantations. National Nature Reserve and Local Nature Reserve Wet grassland and open water hosting wintering swans and geese. Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Reserve Heather moorland and blanket bog Estuary supporting wintering and passage waders and wildfowl with extensive sand and mud flats and saltmarsh. Broadleaved woodland. Cheshire Wildlife Trust Reserve Estuary supporting wintering and passage waders and wildfowl with extensive sand and mud flats and saltmarsh. Broadleaved woodland. Cheshire Wildlife Trust Reserve Broadleaved woodland. Cheshire Wildlife Trust Reserve Broadleaved woodland. Cheshire Wildlife Trust Reserve Heather moorland and blanket bog
4. Lakes and Rivers Inland water has long been known to be a major draw for recreation. It nearly always has a positive impact on the landscape and acts as an attraction. Inland water also provides the basis for a range of recreational activities such as fishing, sailing, canoeing and water sports in general. There can be a conflict at times between recreation and conservation on certain water bodies. The inland water resources of the Northwest include the largest lakes in England, in the Lake District, some large rivers, an extensive canal network (particularly in the southern half of the region), reservoirs and small but attractive wetlands and meres (particularly important in Cheshire). Map 4 shows the regionally significant inland water resources of the region. The three regional gems are: 1. Ullswater 2. Wastwater 3. The Cheshire canal system (canals are not marked on the map)
Inland Water Gems
Ullswater
Wastwater
Macclesfield Canal
5. Viewpoints Getting a sense of space and being able to view the landscape is an attractive element of countryside recreation and tourism. Many hill walkers are attracted by the view from the summit, but we have restricted our identification of viewpoints to those that are accessible to almost all. These are the viewpoints in the region that are likely to be seen by far more people and can be promoted without fear of overuse of hill paths. The viewpoints on Map 5 are all beside or within 500 metres of a car park. Many are on high ground, but some take advantage of the backdrop provided by mountains across the estuaries. Being a west coast region, many of these viewpoints are renowned for their sunsets, such as those at Arnside and Morecambe or from the Pennine Hill fringe looking west. The three regional accessible viewpoint gems (and this is not an easy choice!) are: 1. Arnside Knott, near Arnside 2. Latrigg, near Keswick 3. White Nancy, near Macclesfield
Viewpoint Gems
Arnside Knott, Arnside
Latrigg, Keswick
White Nancy, Bollington
6. Mountains Mountains are an important landscape and recreational resource. They provide both the backbone of the character of some of the most attractive landscapes in England as well as providing the basis for hill walking and climbing. Mountains have also inspired many writers and artists and some mountains have taken on an important defining role for a local area and its sense of place. On Map 6 we show the main mountains in the region that have regional significance. Many are in the Lake District, but others such as Pendle Hill in Lancashire and Shutlingsloe (Cheshire’s Matterhorn), whilst not having the same altitude as the Lake District fells are equally important in their sub regional context. The three most impressive mountains are naturally all in the central Lake District and are: 1. Scafell Pike (the highest mountain in England and Wales) 2. Helvellyn 3. Coniston Old Man
Mountain Gems
Scafell Pike
Helvellyn
Coniston Old Man
7. Woodlands and Forests We have identified the main large areas of woodland, both deciduous and planted coniferous woods that are of regional significance and could be the target for recreational day-trips in the Northwest. These are shown on Map 7 and described below. Macclesfield Forest Situated 3 miles east of Macclesfield and extending to 400 hectares, they form the bulk of the catchment area associated with Trentabank and Ridgegate Reservoirs. They are in the ownership of United Utilities. The main tree species are Japanese Larch and Sitka Spruce. Oak, Sycamore, Corsican Pine, Lodgepole Pine, Scots Pine, Norway Spruce and Beech play a minor role. Contained in one block they are divided by two minor public
roads. Delamere Forest Park Delamere Forest Park comprises over 950 hectares of mixed deciduous and evergreen forest, open grassland and wetlands. It is the largest wooded area in Cheshire and lies within the Mersey Forest. Blakemere Moss has become an excellent habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and is particularly popular with ornithologists. Gisburn Forest Gisburn is the largest forest in Lancashire and is managed by Forest Enterprise. The forest is almost entirely composed of coniferous trees. Within the forest there is a network of waymarked forest walks and a cycle trail. These are based on existing forest roads and offer a variety of routes with a cycle network of 16km length. Claife Heights Claife Heights is a large area of coniferous and broadleaved woodland on the low hills on the western shore of Windermere. Grizedale Forest Park This is a large area of mainly, but not exclusively conifer forest managed by the Forestry Commission between Coniston Water and Elterwater. The forest is well known for its sculpture trail and mountain bike routes. Whinlatter Forest Park This is a large area of conifer forest managed by the Forestry Commission around Whinlatter Pass, west of Keswick. The forest has recently become well known as the host of Norhtwest Englands only breeding pair of osprey. Ennerdale Forest This is a large area of conifer forest managed by the Forestry Commission along the Ennerdale valley. Around the shores of Ennerdale Water there are also large areas of upland oak woodland. Thirlmere Woods This is a large area of conifer forest managed by United Utilities around Thirlmere Reservoir. Large areas of upland oak woodland are also present.
Kershope Forest Kershope Forest is the Cumbrian part of the Border Forest Park and is the largest area of woodland in Northwest England. The forest is almost exclusively coniferous and
incorporates areas of blanket bog and heathland around Christianbury Crags on the Northumberland border. Arnside and Silverdale woodlands This is an extensive area of broadleaved woodland extending over the low limestone fells of the Arnside and Silverdale AONB. The woods are dominated by ash and many have developed on limestone pavements. Witherslack woodlands This is a large area of broadleaved woodland extending over the lower slopes of Whitbarrow. The woods are dominated by ash. Haverthwaite and Windermere woodlands This is an extensive area of predominantly oak woodland along the shores of Windermere and extending onto the low hills around Haverthwaite to the south of the lake. Nibthwaite woodlands These are a series of oak woods extending along the valley side above Nibthwaite at the southern end of Coniston Water. Duddon Valley Woods This is a series of oak woods extending along the lower Duddon Valley. The woods are of note for the presence of wood ants, the nests of which can be seen on the woodland floor as piles of twigs. Borrowdale Woods This is a series of upland oak woods extending along the Borrowdale Valley. The three regional woodland gems chosen are: 1. Borrowdale Woods 2. Arnside-Silverdale Woods 3. Delamere Forest
Woodland Gems
Borrowdale Woodland
Arnside-Silverdale AONB Woodland
Delamere Forest
8. Geology Geology is clearly largely of specialist interest, but there are nevertheless some geological and geomorphological (landform) features which are striking enough to interest many members of the general public. Major waterfalls and caves attract visitors throughout the world. Northwest England cannot boast many sites of spectacular geology on an international scale but a number of sites are worthy of note. North Penines European Geopark The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) covers almost 2000 square kilometres of upland in the north of England, including part of the counties of Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland. The area is of international importance for its geology and includes a classic example of a base metal orefield. Partly in recognition of this, though also in recognition of local efforts to conserve and interpret earth science, the North Pennines AONB was the first area in Great Britain to be awarded the status of European Geopark (June 2003). The North Pennines were created when the massive Alston Block was uplifted. This resulted in major faults, the Eden Scarp to the west and the Tyne Gap to the north. Into this upland, a network of river valleys has been incised, forming a variety of dales landscapes from the steep wooded gorges of the lower Allen rivers to the much more open landscape of upper Teesdale. During its long history of mineral extraction and associated exploration, the North Pennines has been at the forefront of developing ideas and concepts in the understanding of geological processes and formation of ore deposits. Many fundamental concepts in geological science can trace their early origins to this area. The area’s geological importance rests not just on those features which can be seen today, but from the North Pennines’ crucial place in the evolution of the sciences of geology and mineralogy. Examples of this importance include: •
•
•
• •
the succession of Carboniferous rocks and the understanding of how they have been laid down has been highly influential in interpreting similar rocks elsewhere in Britain and beyond, the Whin Sill – the ‘type’ sill of geological science. Where rivers cross Whin Sill exposures, such as at High Force and Low Force, dramatic waterfalls are formed, which contribute much to the area’s distinctiveness, the numerous ore deposits, which have contributed so much to the understanding and discovery of similar deposits worldwide, the prediction and discovery of the concealed Weardale Granite, its key role in the generation of the ore deposits and the model it has provided for understanding oreforming processes worldwide, the area contains the type locations for four mineral species, 23 sites which are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) for their geological, mineralogical or geomorphological importance.
The geology of the North Pennines has been a fundamental influence on the pattern of human settlement and activity. For over a thousand years the extraction of minerals, and
in particular lead, silver, iron, coal, barytes and fluorspar, has been crucial to the local economy. The characteristic North Pennine settlement pattern of small, nucleated settlements, surrounded by isolated small farmsteads, is an expression of the “dual economy” of mining and small-scale farming which flourished in the 18th and 19 th centuries. However, the extractive industries have declined steadily over the past one hundred years and no metal mining now takes place in the North Pennines. Today, lead mining heritage forms one of the area’s principle tourism attractions. The following sites with geological interest have been shown on Map 8. Information about them can be obtained from the English Nature web site - Nature on the Map. • • • • • • • • •
Gait Barrows Limestone pavement Florence Mine Sedgewick Trail Salthill and Bellmanpark Quarries Pendle Hill Sefton Coast and Ainsdale sand dunes Lowside Brickworks Dee Cliffs Frodsham Railway and road cuttings
We consider the three regional sites that are most impressive for their geology are: 1. Ainsdale Sand Dunes 2. Wastwater Screes 3. Gait Barrows Limestone pavement
Geological Gems
Dunes forming at Ainsdale
Wastwater Screes
Gait Barrows Limestone Pavement
9. Landscaped Parkland Whilst not strictly a “natural� asset we have included the major landscaped parklands in the Northwest within this audit, as they use natural elements of landform with water, tree and shrub planting to create an attractive landscape that is often a valuable recreation resource. Map 9 is restricted to the major parklands and does not include gardens or smaller parkland sites. Many of these parklands were created as the setting for large stately houses such as those at Tatton and Lyme Hall. These large country estates with parkland are a feature of the Cheshire landscape in particular. The three regional gems, all in Cheshire, are: 1. Tatton Park 2. Lyme Park 3. Dunham Massey
Parkland Gems
Tatton Park
Lyne Park, Disley
Dunham Massey
10. Coastline The coastline of the Northwest is amongst the most varied in England and is possibly the most under-rated aspect of the Northwest’s natural environment. The Northwest has the largest stretch of undeveloped dune coastline in England – at Sefton, between Liverpool and Southport. The region also has five internationally important estuaries in the Dee, Mersey, Ribble, Morecambe Bay and Solway Firth and sandstone cliffs in the St Bees Heritage Coast. We have classified the undeveloped coastlines into five categories of coastal feature and these are shown on Map 10: • • • • •
Sand dunes Maritime Cliffs Estuarine habitats (saltmarsh, sand and mudflat) Shingle Saline lagoons
The three regional coastal gems selected are: 1. Sefton Coast 2. St Bees Heritage Coast 3. Morecambe Bay
Coastline Gems
Sefton Coast at Ainsdale
St Bees Head Heritage Coast
Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland Fells
11. Remoteness Remote areas are important as refuges for wildlife, as places where the night sky can really be appreciated and where those that want to find real quietness can satisfy their desire to get away from the visible influences of habitation and transport infrastructure. The north of England has by far the largest areas of remote country in England. The main areas in the Northwest region are: • • •
The north Pennine moors The western central Lake District The Forest of Bowland
There has been significant and growing concern that quietness and tranquillity is being steadily lost in England, with the growth of urbanisation and transport links. The Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) has been in the forefront of championing the protection of remoteness and tranquillity in the countryside. National maps showing the loss of tranquillity have been produced and a more detailed experimental map for parts of north east England has been published by academics at Leeds University. See the CPRE website for details of these. There are no recent tranquillity maps for Northwest England. Map 11 is based on a Light Pollution map prepared by CPRE. The three most remote areas in the Northwest can be found in: 1. The Northern Pennines 2. The western core of the Lake District 3. The Forest of Bowland
12. Seasonal Highlights The natural environment has great variety, much of which changes with the seasons – and the interest is certainly not restricted to the summer months. Bird interest is particularly valuable in extending the traditional summer tourist season. Maps 12.1 – 12.4 show a range of natural environment seasonal highlights and where they can be seen, as identified at two workshops by northwest based environmental professionals. We suggest the three top seasonal wildlife gems in the region are as follows. All can be seen in more than one location in the Northwest: Spring 1. Black necked grebes 2. Deciduous woodland flowers 3. Natterjack toads Summer 1. Dragonflies 2. Sand dune flowers 3. Butterflies Autumn 1. Autumn deciduous woodland colours 2. Heather moorland 3. Migrating wading birds Winter 1. Migrating waders 2. Snow capped fells 3. Flocks of geese
13. Underutilised Areas Map 13 shows those major areas of the region where there are natural assets of a high quality which are not being fully exploited for recreation and tourism development. In these areas it would be particularly important to consider the protection and management of the landscape and natural habitats, as well as the sustainable development of recreation and tourism. We are not suggesting that these are the only areas where more investment in the presentation and marketing of natural assets could take place, but these are the priority zones where there is significant regional potential. The Peak District Fringe Zone would require close consultation with the Peak District National Park Authority and neighbouring economic regeneration organisations in the East Midlands region. The North Pennines area is contiguous with the large North Pennines AONB which includes parts of Co. Durham and Northumberland in the North East region.
14. Activities The natural assets of the Northwest provide the resources and basis for a range of outdoor activities. Some outdoor activities are distributed throughout the whole region to a greater or lesser extent. These are: • • •
Recreational walking Horse riding Recreational cycling
Other outdoor activities tend to be concentrated on particular areas where the natural resources are of high quality for those activities. These have been mapped on Map 14. This map does not show potential areas for particular outdoor activities, it indicates the regionally significant areas where outdoor recreational activities are presently concentrated. The present distribution of outdoor activities illustrates the importance of the upland areas, particularly the Lake District and the fringe of the Peak District, the estuaries and the major inland water bodies and rivers. The activities mapped are: • • • • • •
Hill walking Rock climbing Mountain biking Birdwatching Sailing Canoeing