A SURVEY of some of the most important habitats in Swaledale outside of Sites of Special Scientific Interest has found that only 60 per cent are in good condition.

The survey – carried out between May and September last year and the first of its type for Swaledale – confirms that significant investment is needed to create a resilient habitat network.

A summary of the survey results has now been published and shows that less than 10 per cent of native semi-natural woodland, rock outcrops and upland flushes, and only 23 per cent upland hay meadow, were in good condition.

More encouragingly, 80 per cent of blanket bog, by far the largest priority habitat surveyed, was in good condition.

The Swaledale survey was part of a ten-year programme of surveys funded by the National Park Authority. When completed in 2020, they should give a much better picture of the condition of priority habitats right across the National Park.

The park’s natural environment champion Ian McPherson said: “There are pockets of astonishing beauty and diversity in Swaledale but, as in other parts of the park, too many of our nationally-important habitats are in a poor to middling condition.

“Much of the data confirms what we already suspected from previous surveys of habitats inside Sites of Special Scientific Interest. That is why we have been working with partners to develop the ‘Tees-Swale Naturally Connected’ project. It will look at how we can enhance the vital role that low-intensity, ‘High Nature Value’ farming plays in managing upland landscapes for a host of public benefits."