Mining Spoil

Associated with the mines there are extensive areas of mining spoil which usually support unique plant and lichen communities of considerable ecological interest. This habitat (sometimes referred to as calaminarian grassland) has recently been made the subject of a new UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Spoil heaps remain bare or poorly vegetated due to a scarcity of nutrients, high levels of toxic heavy metals and, in some cases, more recent disturbance. Mining spoil supports a number of species that tolerate high levels of heavy metals known as metallophytes. The Dales has a number of these nationally and internationally rare or scarce plant species including spring sandwort, alpine pennycress and Pyrenean scurvygrass. Grassington Moor has large expanses of disturbed land contaminated with lead and subsequently supports some of the most diverse spoil communities in the National Park. This suite of species can also be found at Ballowfield Local Nature Reserve in Wensleydale. For more information about plants of lead mining spoil follow the link below.

Habitat Statement

Conservation objectives

• Prevent the disturbance of mine spoil which may increase the leaching of heavy metal pollutants into watercourses.
• Ensure the appropriate management of metalliferous flora occurring on mine spoil.

Conservation measures

• Prevent the inappropriate disturbance of mine spoil.
• Encourage, through agri-environment schemes, appropriate grazing regimes in spoil areas to maintain the metalliferous flora or to allow other vegetation communities to develop.

Links:

Plants of lead mining spoil (opens in new window)