Bollihope, Pikestone, Eggleston and Woodland Fells

Bollihope, Pikestone, Eggleston and Woodland Fells is a Site of Special Scientific Interest in the Teesdale district of west County Durham, England. It covers a broad expanse of moorland to the north and east of Middleton-in-Teesdale.

Bollihope, Pikestone, Eggleston and Woodland Fells
Map showing the location of Bollihope, Pikestone, Eggleston and Woodland Fells
Map showing the location of Bollihope, Pikestone, Eggleston and Woodland Fells
Site of Special Scientific Interest
LocationMAGiC MaP
Nearest townStanhope, County Durham
Coordinates54°39′56″N 1°59′35″W / 54.66556°N 1.99306°W / 54.66556; -1.99306
Area7,949.19 ha (30.6920 sq mi)
Established1996
Governing bodyNatural England
WebsiteBollihope, Pikestone, Eggleston and Woodland Fells SSSI

The site has a diverse mix of habitats, mainly dry heath, with wet heath and blanket-mire in areas that are poorly drained.[1]

The SSSI, which is situated within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, shares a common boundary with the Upper Teesdale SSSI to the west, and adjoins Hamsterley Forest on three sides.

The area supports breeding populations of a number of species of birds that are listed in the United Kingdom's Red Data Book (Birds), including three—merlin, Eurasian golden plover and short-eared owl—that are listed in Annex 1 of the European Commission's Birds Directive as requiring special protection. The flora of the area includes a number of species that are scarce locally or nationally. [1]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Bollihope, Pikestone, Eggleston and Woodland Fells SSSI : Reasons for designating the SSSI status" (PDF). Natural England. Retrieved 1 March 2022.