Biodiversity
The North Pennines is internationally renowned for the extent, variety and quality of its habitats and features
Physical and climatic conditions coupled with the influence of human activities have created an array of semi-natural habitats, which is unrivalled in upland England.
Habitats
Habitats include blanket bog, heathlands, Upland hay meadows, oak woodlands, juniper scrub, flushes and springs, and unimproved and heavy-metal rich grasslands. In addition, the assemblage of flowering and lower plants, particularly on calcareous grasslands and flushes in Teesdale, is unique in the UK and of international importance.
Protection
The Wildlife & Countryside Act, 1981 gives protection to specified animal and plant species. The North Pennines is a nationally important area for many of these species, including:
14 bird species protected at all times under Schedule 1, Part 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981.
- 12% of Great Britain's merlins
- 10% of Great Britain's golden plovers
- 80% of England's black grouse
- 19 Red Data Book birds
- 23 Red Data Book plants
- 17 Red Data Book Invertebrates
- 6 bird species listed on Annex 1 of the EU Birds Directive Species
In this section
Upland birds
The North Pennines is a wonderful place for birds. In spring and summer the moors, pastures and woodlands are alive with their songs and displays. Even in the depths of winter, hardy species like the red grouse can still easily be seen.
Updated: 01/07/10
Upland hay meadows
Species-rich upland hay meadows are one of the rarest grassland habitats in the country. Rich in wildlife and steeped in cultural tradition, the North Pennines holds some of the best meadows in the UK.
Updated: 11/08/10
Moorlands
The moorland landscapes of the North Pennines are some of England's wildest places. They are home to some of our rarest wildlife and have an unspoilt sense of naturalness and remoteness found in few other places in this country
Updated: 04/02/10
Natural Areas
Natural England has examined the local distinctiveness of each part of England and identified its characteristic wildlife and natural features.
Updated: 04/02/10
Protected Areas
The North Pennines has a remarkably high concentration of nationally and internationally important conservation sites and areas.
Updated: 04/02/10
Rivers and wetlands
The world famous rivers Tyne, Wear and Tees all have their birthplace high in the North Pennine hills.
Updated: 01/07/10
Trees and woodlands
Upland woodland was once a much more common feature in the North Pennines landscape, but the remaining woodlands are important for their contribution to the landscape and for the biodiversity which they support
Updated: 04/02/10
