About the reserve

The unimproved limestone grassland of Dimmel’s Dale boasts an abundance of grasses and wildflowers, which in turn attract a large number of butterflies and bees. The grassland supports scrub, which is important to species such as bullfinches and yellow meadow ants. Sometimes, green woodpeckers can be spotted digging holes with its bill to get to the ants inside.

Dimmel’s Dale’s bank has a large population of plants such as devil’s-bit scabious and betony, both of which do well on damper conditions brought about by the west-facing slope. Other wildflower species found here include common spotted-orchid, common rock-rose and yellow-wort. The reserve dips down to a brook frequented by dippers and grey wagtails. A semi-natural woodland of oak, beech, hazel, ash, holly and whitebeam at the top of Dimmel’s Dale’s banks attracts badgers, woodpeckers, nuthatches, and owls.

Dimmel’s Dale was purchased in 2019, made possible by a legacy donation left in memory of David Harman and his love for the outdoors, by his wife Jane.

This nature reserve is particularly special not only because it supports a range of different habitats, but also because it links up with several other nature reserves – creating a much-needed corridor for wildlife.

Dimmel’s Dale is accessible only to pedestrians, and it is this remote nature which makes it more of a sanctuary for wildlife.

A public right of way leads through it, allowing visitors to enjoy views across the nature reserve and link to wider circular walks in the Golden Valley.