Limestone Fells

Limestone Fells Character Areas 21a   Leck Fell

Key Environmental Features

      Upland limestone fells support important semi-natural grassland plant communities.

      Underground cave systems provide geological interest and attract cavers and potholers to the area.

      Ancient semi-natural woodland within gills and on steeper slopes are important for uncommon plants.

      Heather-clad hillsides produce dramatic swathes of colour in late summer.

      Limestone pavements provide sheltered environments for rare plants and ferns.

      Dry stone walls and field barns reflect the exposed, upland setting and underlying geology and provide distinctive, memorable landscape patterns.

      Long straight enclosure walls of later 18^th or early 19^th century date, reflecting past land management of the high fells.

Local Forces for Change and their Landscape Implications

      Increasing pressures for recreation, particularly around popular cave systems and limestone pavements, may damage the character and ecological value of these limestone features. Eroded footpaths and parking adjacent to viewpoints are particular concerns, as it may be intrusive in isolated rural moorland areas. The impacts of fly-tipping and litter may also be intrusive.

      Potential pressure for wind turbine developments and communication masts is a possibility, however such proposals are likely to be resisted, both within and in close proximity to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Such developments are intrusive if they create a cluttered skyline, particularly where the Limestone Fells form a backdrop to local views.

      Continuing deterioration in the upland farming economy could lead to stone walls gradually falling into disrepair and the erosion of distinctive field patterns. In time, this could lead to significant landscape change since most existing walls are well maintained.

Landscape Strategy for the Limestone Fells

Strategy	Recommendations
Conserve the distinctive limestone features of the open fells	manage access to avoid damage to sensitive habitats e.g. limestone cliffs, screes and pavements.        encourage maintenance of limestone walls and field barns to retain the historic field patterns of the fells.
Conserve the remote character of the fells	resist the approval of wind turbine and communication mast developments, particularly on skyline locations.        any proposals for future visitor facilities require careful siting and design - using local materials - in these sensitive landscapes
Conserve characteristic clough woodlands	manage ancient semi-natural woodlands        stockproof and manage grazing in remaining broadleaved woodland to allow natural regeneration
Enhance the existing valuable mosaic of upland habitats	manage heather moorland to encourage heather regeneration

Potential Local Indicators for Monitoring Landscape Change on the Limestone Fells