Long Clough, Sam Willis

Tawny owl, Margaret Holland

Common spotted orchid, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust

Long Clough

Areas of precious unimproved grassland and oakland with more than 150 species of flowers, sedges and mosses

Location

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On the southern outskirts of Charlestown

Glossop

Derbyshire

SK13 6JT

OS Map Reference

SK 0316 9253

Know before you go

Size

16 hectares

Entry fee

Parking information

Park in a layby just off the Turnlee Road (A6016), a little past the track going to the reserve (heading North into Glossop). Walk up the steep track to the reserve entrance (shown on the map).

Walking trails

Follow the farm track past Lees Hall to the reserve entrance.

Access

Steep/rough ground throughout the reserve - not suitable for those with limited mobility.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

Summer and early autumn for fungi, wild flowers and lichens

About the reserve

Lying on either side of a small north-south valley, Long Clough contains a mixture of habitats, including an area of oak woodland and a large sloping area of grassland.

Areas of unimproved grassland - not treated by chemicals - are becoming increasingly precious throughout Derbyshire.

These areas support many more species of wildflowers than intensively farmed land. Long Clough is a good example of this type of grassland, containing more than 150 species of flowers, sedges and mosses.

Among these are several types of grass, including quaking grass, an unusual sight in this part of the Peak District. The grassland contains many wet areas where flowers such as marsh marigold, marsh violet and heath spotted and common spotted orchid have established themselves.

The pink meadow cap fungus, a national biodiversity species, is also found. The range of habitats on the reserve attracts a variety of birds, including woodcock, tawny owl and willow warbler.