The twenty six acres of mixed woodland and pasture outside the pitching area has benefited from mixture of interference and neglect to produce a unique environment. The benefits of neglect may be seen in the profusion of wild flowers in the bottom field - the consequence of not applying fertilizers or weed killers for many years. Of particular interest are the masses of Early Purple, Spotted and other Orchids, Cowslips, Bloody Cranesbill etc.

Early Purple Orchids

The results of interference are the juxtaposition of lime loving and lime hating plants within yards of each each other within what is now the pond. This is because the pond has formed in what was a pit mined for silica sand (which is acid) but has been inundated with debris from the lime-burning operations (which are alkaline) resulting in lime-loving orchids growing within a few feet of acid -loving heathers. The pond is being preserved unchanged except for improvements to access and the establishment of information displays.

Subsequent environmentally-friendly management maintains a superb display of cowslips, orchids and other wild flowers - and the butterflies and insects that feed on them. The pond is home to dragon flies, Great Crested and Palmate Newts, wild fowl and other species. Certain areas are reserved for the badgers, foxes, bird-life etc that thrive in the wilder areas of the park, whilst the remainder is available for our guests and their pets to roam as they wish.

A new wildlife pond has recently been completed in the pitching area, which we hope will attract more of our feathered and aquatic friends to an area more easily accessible from the pitching area. We are delighted to have won two David Bellamy Gold awards and are keen to co-operate with Wild Life groups to encourage the diversity of species.

Rabbits, hares, foxes, badgers, stoats, weasels and field mice have been positively identified on numerous occasions within the Park.

There at least three badger setts within the park - their movements identifiable by the well-worn "sheep tracks" and claw marks on the stone walls. A quiet vigil downwind of a well defined badger track as dusk is falling (preferably on a dry evening) is the best way of seeing them - patience and silence being essential.

The rabbits and hares are active throughout the park and are often to be seen grazing the pitches at first light. The foxes, stoats and weasels are more wary of people and are most likely to be seen at first light when the park is relatively quiet (i.e midweek in the mid or low season).

Green Woodpeckers have been at work on the dead elm stumps on the steep bank - best viewed at quiet times in the low season; you will know they are in residence by the racket! Swallows and swifts nest in the old farm buildings - which have been left open to their comings and goings.

Little Owls, Barn Owls and Tawny Owls hunt the rabbits and mice from their nests in the surrounding dead trees and barns; the tree high on the cliff face is a favored vantage point.

Dusk is the best time to see them often patrolling the tracks and roads adjoining undergrowth where their prey is easier to hear (and see) on the limestone. Kestrels and buzzards tend to soar the up-draught from the cliff face when the park is quieter, often mobbed by the jackdaws.

Rivendale Caravan & Leisure Park,
Buxton Road, Alsop-en-le-Dale, Ashbourne, Derbyshire.
Bookings: 01332 843000 or 01335 310311
e-mail: enquiries@rivendalecaravanpark.co.uk