High Peak Borough Council is planning to declare a new Nature Reserve at Ferneydale Grasslands, Harpur Hill in Buxton. The grassland is an important local site for nature and making it a Nature Reserve would help to ensure that more people have the opportunity to enjoy it and to study or learn about the habitats and species at the site.
Ferneydale Grassland is to the south of Buxton, alongside Ferneydale Avenue and close to Harpur Hill Primary School.
The site is a mosaic of limestone grassland, with areas of wet grassland and a small stream. The grassland is of a type given priority for protection and special management in the Peak District Biodiversity Action Plan.
There are more than 85 different wild flowers found at the site, including many locally distinctive and attractive plants, such as common rock rose, lady’s bedstraw, devil’s bit scabious, harebell and salad burnet.
The wetlands are also rich in plants, with species including blue water speedwell, meadowsweet, water mint and cuckoo flower.
Declaring the site as a local nature reserve will mean that the Borough Council can manage the land for nature conservation and protect it from inappropriate uses or development.
The site is close to residential areas and is well connected via public footpaths to other areas of scenic and ecological interest. Long distance walks could be created and promoted that include a visit to the Nature Reserve. Facilities at the site could be provided such as signboards and benches.
Access could be improved to allow for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Ferneydale Grassland is also very close to Harpur Hill Primary School and has the potential to provide a useful site for studying the natural environment.
