Peacock butterfly on Scabious.  The presence of Scabious in a road verge or hay meadow flags the presence of many other interesting species.

Photos of flowers

Photos of insects and butterflies

Wildlife

The area is very rich in wildlife.  Hares and rabbits can be seen, and pheasants bring a splash of colour.  Curlews can be seen overhead, and bats are active at dusk.  Some of the ponds contain greater crested newts, a listed species.  There are many different species of insect to be found.  Mice are not uncommon in house roofspaces in the winter.

The area is exceptionally rich botanically, reflecting the different underlying geology.  Both lime- and acid-loving plants are found, as well as plants highly adapted to lead-rich soils such as Leadwort and Mountain Pansy.  Leadwort is the local name for the rare Spring Sandwort, which is locally common in late May and June on lead waste at the High Rake mine site above Windmill.

Several species of orchid can be found in May, June and July, including Early Purple Orchids, Twayblades, Common Spotted Orchid (often hybridised with Marsh Orchids), Bee Orchids and Fragrant Orchids.

A survey of plants in Great Hucklow and Windmill is under way and early results have identified that the previous lead mining areas of High Rake and Silence Mine are exceptionally species-rich.  In these areas, lime- and acid-loving plants can be found in the same area as lead-loving plants.

More photos of flowers and insects and butterflies seen in the Parish.

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