36 - Southern Pennines : Summary and Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity

Summary

The Southern Pennines are part of the Pennine ridge of hills, lying between the Peak District National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This is a landscape of large-scale sweeping moorlands, pastures enclosed by drystone walls, and gritstone settlements contained within narrow valleys. The area contains internationally important mosaics of moorland habitats that support rare birds such as merlin, short-eared owl and twite. The peat soils, including blanket bog, store significant volumes of carbon. With its high rainfall and impervious rocks it is an important area for water supply, with many reservoirs supplying water to nearby conurbations. The Southern Pennines are also important for recreation due to the extensive open access areas and footpaths, and the sense of escapism they offer, along with the ease of access from large towns. This dramatic landscape has inspired many, such as the Brontës and Ted Hughes. Future challenges for the area include managing the land to reduce downstream flooding, restore blanket bog and improve water quality, and managing increased recreational demand.

Headline Statements of Environmental Opportunity (SEO)

See the Statements of Environmental Opportunity section for more details on the headlines listed below.

SEO 1

Safeguard, manage and enhance the large areas of open, expansive moorland, and the internationally important habitats and species they support, as well as protecting soils and water resources

SEO 2

Manage and enhance the pastoral character of the moorland fringes, lower hills and valleys, with their mosaics of pastures and meadows, and their strong field patterns defined by drystone walls, to improve ecological networks and strengthen landscape character.

SEO 3

Protect the comprehensive range of historic landscape features for their cultural value and the contribution they make to local distinctiveness and sense of identity.

SEO 4

Increase the enjoyment and understanding of the landscape and to experience a sense of escapism and inspiration, while also conserving the qualities of the landscape and its valuable historic and wildlife features.