The project aims to transform former colliery sites into wildlife-rich havens as well as manage existing heathlands throughout Yorkshire’s coalfield area. The sandstones and shales of the Coal Measures produce acidic soils, which are perfect for the formation of heathlands. These sites host a whole range of interesting plants and animals. The key component is of course heather, three species are found – ling, bell and cross-leaved heath. Other plants include gorse, crowberry and bilberry. Birdlife recorded on sites includes the enigmatic nightjar, woodcock and skylark with other important animals including common lizard, brown hare, green tiger beetle and green hairstreak butterfly.
Heathland is an internationally rare habitat in need of serious protection. England has a fifth of the global resource yet we have only 16% of the area which existed in 1800. Losses are attributed to years of industrialisation, agriculture, urban expansion and more recently a lack of management. Man and heathlands have always been intrinsically linked. Originally open heaths were created following tree clearance by prehistoric man and maintained by low levels of livestock grazing. After the industrial revolution the coal beneath these sites was exploited to fuel the industries of Sheffield, Barnsley and Huddersfield. The project is aiming to bring things full circle by re-claiming the now post-industrial sites for wildlife and recreation.
Selected sites:
Wharncliffe Heath, Sheffield
A large heathland with a rich archaeological history and abundant wildlife. One of the few sites in the area, which supports the rare and nocturnal nightjar. Other highlights include a pond full of palmate newts, which are hunted by grass snakes and fantastic views across the Upper Don Valley. The site is managed by a very keen local group, the Wharncliffe Heathlands Trust, with support from the Forestry Commission and the Coalfield Heathland Project. Management includes manual scrub clearance, bracken control and conservation grazing using native breed sheep and cattle. The livestock eat the young scrub and seedlings helping to keep the heath open.
Wogden Foot, Barnsley
A classic example of how valuable artificial sites can be for wildlife. An amazing wildflower-rich grassland with heath on the fringes has developed on these former railway sidings, high in the Pennines. Many of the plants are calcareous, which is very unusual in an acidic area surrounded by heather moorland, and is thought to be due to the limestone aggregate that was brought in to construct the sidings, which was abandoned, and allowed this this unusual flora to develop. Over 86 plant species have been identified including the rare Jacob’s ladder, which is normally more at home in limestone dales, other notable species include wild mignonette and common spotted orchid. To maintain species-richness, the site is managed by conservation grazing using native breed sheep and cattle (the dinky Dexter cattle are very cute and tame!)
Community engagement is also a key strand of the project. We are attempting to reconnect people with their heathland heritage through an ongoing programme of events including guided walks, talks, community workdays and education sessions.
Click here for events list.
Project partners include Natural England, Environment Agency, South Yorkshire Forest Partnership and the Local Authorities of Kirklees, Wakefield, Doncaster, Barnsley, Sheffield and Rotherham. The project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, SITA Trust and Natural England.
Contact the Project Manager on 0114 263 4335 for general information on the project. Contact the Community Wildlife Ranger on 0114 263 4335 for information on events and education sessions.