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
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
