Peak Experience

 

 

Bluebells in May  Ash trees in autumn

 

Welcome to the Peak District! A unique place of stunning landscapes and an abundance of wildlife.  In 1951 it became Britain’s first National Park. Click here for a list of Peak District Nature Reserves and where to find them.

 

Human history and far older geological forces have created the land you see today.  Tropical seas, river deltas, volcanoes and ice ages, farming, mining and quarrying all played their part in forging this varied landscape.

 

Different plants and animals need different conditions to live (habitats) and that affects where you will find the wildlife of the Peaks.  Click here to discover more about the different landscapes and habitats of the Peak District. 

 

Then enjoy getting out to experience for yourself the birds, trees, flowers, butterflies, fungi, mammals and water creatures of the Peak District.  We suggest some magnificent places to visit, and give ideas about Peak District species to look out for.

 

Stonechats in spring  Mountain Hares in winter

 

As you’ll see, there’s a lot to discover.  Why not stay a few nights and take advantage of so much wildlife diversity all in one region?  Many of the places we mention have good public transport links, so you can take a day off, be kind to the wildlife and let someone else do the driving.

 

Moorlands with purple heather  Woodlands glow in autumn

 

 

 

Peak District's most famous landmark, often on wild and lonely parts of the moor. This is a moderate grade walk that boasts awesome panoramic views from just about anywhere on the exposed plateau - weather permitting! (hosted by Moors for the Future - external link)

 

Singer-songwriter Sally Goldsmith takes you on her short, family-friendly, but information packed tour onto the moors that surround Edale, where the struggle for access to the moors is revealed. (hosted by Moors for the Future - external link).

 

Download Natural England's 2007 program of guided walks in the Peak District.

 

Discover more about the wildlife habitats of the ancient lead works in this Peak District National Park Authority leaflet.

 

All these organizations own and manage wildlife sites in the Peak District. Many of their web sites have excellent resources for discovering more about wildlife in Britain, and even further afield.

 

Carsington Water                    

01629 540696            

 

RSPB Coombes Valley Nature Reserve         

01538 384017

 

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust         

01773 881188            

www.derbyshirewildlifetrust.org.uk

 

National Trust High Peak Estate       

01433 670368            

 

Natural England                       

01629 816640            

 

Peak District National Park Authority

01629 816200            

 

Plantlife International

01722 342730

 

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

 

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust       

01889 880100            

 

Tittesworth Reservoir               

01538 300400            

Emma Mortimer

Phil Bowler (NE), Matthew Capper (RSPB), Joe Cornish, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, Paul Flackett, Paul Glendell (NE), Mark Hamblin (DWT), Ben Le Bas (NE), Tom Marshall, A. Moffett, Emma Mortimer, National Trust, Natural England, North East Wildlife, RSPB, Severn Trent Water, David Slade, Zoe Tapping, David Taylor, David Tolliday, D. White, D. Worland.

 

Meadow Cranesbill

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