Unique Limestone Habitat Wildlife Under Threat in North-West England

Limestone pavements in north-west England, along with the rare plants and wildlife they support, face growing threats, according to a new study by Lancaster University. The research revisited a 1970s study to assess the state of limestone pavements across the UK, focusing on habitats in Lancashire and Cumbria.

The findings reveal declines in specialist plant species in some areas, including the Gait Barrows nature reserve in Silverdale.

Professor Carly Stevens, who led the study, noted that while some pavements are improving, others are deteriorating due to overgrazing and dense vegetation.

“Some areas have had big changes because there are now too many trees.

“Trees are a good thing in a lot of habitats, but in some areas of limestone pavements, the canopy has just become too dense, and it gets too dark and we’re losing a lot of species,” she said.

Limestone pavements feature unique gaps and cracks, known as grikes, that shelter rare plants such as ferns, herbaceous species, and orchids.

These plants, in turn, provide habitats for rare snails and butterflies, underscoring the ecological importance of these formations.

“They are beautiful you have got this hidden world of plants,” she added.

“There’s some really interesting species and really interesting associations which I think makes them a very special place.”

Natural England manages the Gait Barrows reserve, which is recognised as an “irreplaceable habitat.” In the past, limestone pavements across the UK were heavily damaged by quarrying, a practice now banned.

Thanks to the original 1970s study by Stephen Ward and David Evans and the recent Lancaster University research, areas like Silverdale have gained vital protections.

Prof Stevens said: “I really hope that this study will show people how important limestone pavements are but also that it will provide the beginnings of how we can change our management to protect these sites.

“They are absolutely unique and beautiful and we really need to look after them.”