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30 White Peak
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The White Peak of Derbyshire and Staffordshire is a distinctive area of Carboniferous limestone surrounded by gritstone moors to the north, west and east, and by the Pennine Fringes to the south. The area consists of a gently rolling plateau overlain by acidic wind-blown deposits, dissected by steep-sided dales. The limestone or 'karst' scenery is often dramatic and spectacular caves are a notable feature. The pale limestone is characteristic, contrasting strongly with the dark gritstones of the surrounding region.
The plateau of the White Peak is dissected by numerous valleys or dales, which have sites of geological importance and contain the greater part of the area's considerable biological interest. The most important habitats, are the ancient ashwoods, the calcareous grasslands and the limestone rivers many of which hold populations of white-clawed crayfish. These habitats are of European importance and are particularly notable for their higher and lower plants and invertebrates. The plateau is dominated by improved pasture, with only a few vestiges of semi-natural heathlands remaining, but it maintains its characteristic pattern of drystone walls and has several significant habitats of nature conservation interest, such as metal-rich grasslands, dewponds which are important for great crested newts and a limited number of hay meadows.
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Natural Area profile available - Size 573.8 kb
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