The Limestone Country Area
The limestone areas of the Yorkshire Dales National Park are of national and international importance for biodiversity. These areas are associated with the distribution of Carboniferous limestone rock and the majority of the area is concentrated in the uplands around Ingleborough, Malham and Wharfedale.
The soils overlying this rock are usually very thin and of low fertility and,
in combination with consistent grazing, result in a rich diversity of lime-loving
grasses and wildflowers for which the 'limestone country' of the Dales is famous.
The international biodiversity significance of the limestone country is recognised
by the designation of two Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), the Ingleborough
Complex SAC and the Craven Limestone Complex SAC. The project area extends to
11,097 hectares and includes 12 Annex 1 habitats listed on the EC Directive on
the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora.
For location maps of these two Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) follow the
link on the left hand side menu
The two internationally important wildlife sites - Ingleborough Complex SAC and Craven Limestone Complex SAC are made up of eight individual Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). In addition there are also two National Nature Reserves (NNR) - Ingleborough NNR and Malham Tarn NNR.
Further information on individual SSSI is available by following the 'Area Descriptions'
link from the left hand side menu.
Alternatively, visit the Natural England website for more details.
