A new nature reserve in the Yorkshire Dales is set to restore temperate rainforest and provide a haven for wildlife in the process.
Temperate rainforest – also known as Atlantic or Celtic rainforest – is characterised by high rainfall and humidity, and stable temperatures. These rare woodlands support a variety of native trees such as sessile oak, birch, rowan, holly, alder, willow and hazel.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust says the reserve at Park Gill could offer crucial habitat for Red Squirrel, Pine Marten and threatened bird species including Wood Warbler, Common Redstart and Pied Flycatcher.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust hopes to attract Pied Flycatcher to its new nature reserve in the Yorkshire Dales (David Atkinson).
Wildlife haven
“Woodland is at a premium in this part of the Dales,” said YWT’s north regional manager Jonathan Leadley. “Species such as Black Grouse, which still survive here, will benefit from more berry-bearing shrubs such as hawthorn.”
He added: “This new reserve promises to be a haven for wildlife and a stunning place for people to enjoy.”
At present, Park Gill has fragmented patches of temperate rainforest, as well as limestone grassland, caves and streams.
As well as restoring the temperate rainforest, YWT will also be carefully managing the areas of limestone grassland that support the reserve’s rare limestone wildflowers, in the hope that in time these will expand across much of the grassland area.