Upper Teesdale is an upland area rich in interesting plants and habitats due to its unique geology and high altitude, resulting in alpine conditions. It is one of the most studied upland areas in the UK, with over 700 research papers and books published from Moor House NNR. To read about the NNR history see here.
The number of nationally rare habitats here are Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and are greatly linked to the geological diversity of the area. The main focus of botanical interest is around the 'Teesdale assemblage', which is a collection of 'northern' species which survive here at the edge of their southerly range, and 'southern' species which survive here at the northern edge of their range. This is the only place in Britain where this unique group of plants exists and has existed since the end of the last glaciation. A number of these species are nationally threatened, some considered rare and some with threat of extinction, for a few species this is the only place in the UK where they grow. Many of the more common species described here can be seen easily from the Pennine Way path where it follows the River Tees.
Teesdale's iconic species
Spring Gentian (Gentiana verna) - A small member of the Gentian family which is nationally rare and protected by schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is confined to Upper Teesdale in England, and is locally abundant in few locations in Ireland. Outside of the UK it is widespread across mountain ranges in Eurasia, Russia and Morocco. Can be found occasionally in damp grassland on Cronkley and Widdybank Fell. Best time to see it in flower is April-June.
Bird's-eye Primrose (Primula farinosa) - Locally abundant in Northern England, found from Skipton to Durham and north Cumbria. Grows in moist meadows and open boggy ground on calcareous soils. Grows in damp grassland and flushes and can be seen on and around Widdybank fell. Best time to see it in flower is May-June.
Teesdale Violet (Viola rupestris) - Very rare in Northern England and considered nationally rare. Grows on limestone rocks in Teesdale. Can be seen occasionally at high points on the fells. Best time to see it in flower is May.
Mountain Pansy (Viola lutea) - Frequent in north and west Britain in upland habitats such as grasslands and moors. Flowers occur in many different colours within the same area. Easily viewed from the Pennine Way Path. Best time to see it in flower is May-August.
Some lesser-known species of interest
Mountain Everlasting (Antennaria dioica) - Vary rare England and occasional in some places in Wales and northern Scotland. Grows on heaths, dry grasslands and mountain ledges. Best time to see it in flower is June-July.
Alpine Bartsia (Bartsia alpina) - Can be found in northern England and in the Scottish Highlands, on calcarious rock ledges in mountains. Best time to see it in flower is June-August.
Hoary Whitlowgrass (Draba icana) - Found very locally in northern England, Wales and N Ireland. Usually found on screes, cliffs, rocks, dunes, especially on limestone. Best time to see it in flower is June-July.
Spring sandwort (Minuartia verna) - Can be found locally scattered across small areas in west and north Britain, rare in Ireland. Grows on basic open rocks and scree, especially near old lead workings. Best time to see it in flower is May-September.
Rare Spring Sedge (Carex ericetorum) - Rare in Durham, in east Anglia, Lincolnshire through Derbyshire. Also grows in Europe, locally common in Scandinavia to western France. Found on limestone, usually dry calcareous short grasslands. Best time to see it in flower is May-July.
Dwarf Milkwort (Polygala amarella) - Very rare, can be found in northern England, the North Downs and Kent. Generally lowland, but reaching 530m on Cronkley Fell. Found on close-grazed limestone grassland, rock ledges and limestone scars. Best tme to see it in flower is May-July.
Recent research & species decline
Moor House and the surrounding area has been heavily studied over the years for environmental research. Continuous research is carried out on the National Nature Reserves, observing the effects of management and climate change on the habitats and vegetation. In 2017 a group of passionate individuals established a charity to ensure the continuation of this research: Dr Margaret Bradshaw's Teesdale Special Flora Research and Conservation Trust. Dr Margaret Bradshaw is a local botanist with over 60 years of experience studying the flora of Teesdale, she created this Trust in order to conserve the rare flora in this unique area.
Over the last 2 years sites with species of interest have been surveyed by the Trust. The results from 2017-2019 surveys were recently compared with data collected between 1968-1975. The map below show the extent of the decline of Spring Gentian (Gentiana verna) on an area of Widdybank Fell called Red Sike. The number of squares occupied by Spring Gentian declined by 45% between the two surveys.
The same trend in decline is true for all of the rare species which have been studied in Teesdale, some more severe than others. The Trust aims to identify these declines and take action to conserve these unique species. You can help support their work by donating to the charity or offering your time as a volunteer.
More information about their work can be found here on the Trust's blog.
Reserve Warden
Charlotte Pink
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