THE STIPERSTONES
The Stiperstones is a spectacular 10km long ridge, crowned by rugged tors of white quartzite. It lies just inside the border between England and Wales, and has stunning views from the ridge towards the Welsh mountains and the Shropshire Hills. Its rocks were formed around 480 million years ago during the Ordovician period. Severe frost during the last ice age broke up the quartzite to give the Stiperstones its unique formation today. It was declared a National Nature Reserve in 1982 because of its geology, landscape and wildlife, and its wild dramatic scenery.
Much of the Stiperstones is covered by heathland. Natural England who manage the Reserve, have a project called “Back to the Purple” which aims to conserve and regenerate the heather cover along the whole length of the ridge. The heathland supports a wide variety of endangered flora and fauna. Grouse, curlew, and meadow pipits all breed on the ridge, and whinchats and stonechats breed on the edge of it. Buzzards and ravens are often seen and heard overhead.
Much of the Stiperstones is covered by heathland. Natural England who manage the Reserve, have a project called “Back to the Purple” which aims to conserve and regenerate the heather cover along the whole length of the ridge. The heathland supports a wide variety of endangered flora and fauna. Grouse, curlew, and meadow pipits all breed on the ridge, and whinchats and stonechats breed on the edge of it. Buzzards and ravens are often seen and heard overhead.