Wildlife
The Magnesian Limestone gives the area its distinctive character and it’s this underlying geology that
influences the rich variety of habitats which are home to very important and fascinating wildlife.
Flower-rich Magnesian Limestone grasslands are amongst the most treasured habitat in the area containing a wide
diversity of plants and insects including a number of rare species such as the Dark Red Helleborine and the
Durham Argus Butterfly.
Three European Special Areas for Conservation, sections of the coast designated as Special Protection Areas, 4
National Nature Reserves and over 50 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) testify to the great variety of
wildlife and habitats in the Limestone Landscape Area.
The Proposed Biodiversity Works Programme for Limestone Landscapes can be downloaded from the publications page.
