Knowle Hill, Drury Lane, Buckley, CH7 3DU (Open Access)

On street parking on Drury Lane

Grid Reference SJ 290 641

8.5 hectares

No toilet facilities available

Accessible via the local Public Rights of Way network

Contact  01978 757524 | [email protected]

Access

The site lies on the east side of Buckley, a minor road (Drury Lane) bounds the site to the north, while new housing is situated immediately beyond the southern boundary. There are public footpaths through the site, part of which includes the Buckley Heritage trail. The paths are rough gravel and can be muddy, requiring good footwear. During wet periods of weather, these paths may not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.

Habitats: Woodland, scrub, acid grassland, lowland heath, five small water bodies.

Notable species

Mammals: Badger, Fox, Rabbit, Common shrew, Grey squirrel

Amphibians: Great crested newt, Palmate newt, Smooth newt, Common frog, Common toad

Birds: Green woodpecker, Bullfinch, Great spotted woodpecker, Sparrowhawk, Lesser whitethroat, Jay, Blackcap, Chiffchaff

Butterflies: Speckled wood, Peacock, Orange tip, Gatekeeper, Common blue, Green-veined white

Special Features 

The area has historical importance due to the historic mining and quarrying activity, and an industrial tramway, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The area has become colonised with vegetation over time and is now of high ecological value with designations such a SSSI, Special area of Conservation and a Site of Nature Conservation Importance.

Management

The main focus of management on this site will be scrub control and bracken control to restore and expand and area of lowland heath; as well as maintain access for members of the public.

Knowle Hill is part of the Deeside and Buckley Newt Sites Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Water bodies throughout the area  support one of the largest breeding populations of the great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) in Great Britain

The site has a high amphibian population, including great crested newts and common toads