Bradwell Dale and Bagshaw Cavern
Also within
Condition (Natural England)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SK168805 | — | Favourable | 68.01 | 2021-05-11 |
| SK170797 | — | Favourable | 27.16 | 2008-02-14 |
| SK172792 | — | Favourable | 68.01 | 2021-05-11 |
| SK172794 | — | Favourable | 68.01 | 2021-05-11 |
| SK180777 | — | Favourable | 68.01 | 2021-05-11 |
| SK186775 | — | Favourable | 68.01 | 2021-05-11 |
Habitats
Geology & landscape
Geological Feature: Cave / Cavern, Rock Outcrop · Rock Type: Limestone, Shale
Landscape processes: Fluvial, Karst
Description
Description The site consists of two elements which to some extent overlap. These are Bradwell Dale and, below ground, the cave system of Bagshaw Cavern. The Dale and its upstream continuation Stanlow Dale, are two deeply incised limestone gorges. They are located close to an interface between shale and limestone and owe their position to projecting 'reef knolls' within the limestone which forced a constriction of the river and so formed the gorges. Previously the river had been migrating down the slope of the limestone beds at their junction with the shale, a process known as uniclinal shift which is unique to the Derbyshire limestone outcrop. Bradwell Daleis the best example of the effect of this process. The gorges are now completely dry, since all the water is taken underground through 'sinks' and drains through 3000 metres of cave passages known as Bagshaw Cavern. A number of 'feeder sinks' taking the water underground are located at Quarters Farm, Grindlow and great Hucklow. The form of these passages is strongly controlled by the thinly bedded limestone and there are fine examples of tabular roof collapse. The cave also contains the finest straw stalactites in Derbyshire.
Plant communities
A9 — Fast flowing river and stream, Marginal and inundation, Pond ditch and canal, Sluggish river and stream
Potamogeton natans community
Show 20 indicator speciesSchoenoplectus lacustris, Juncus bulbosus, Sparganium angustifolium, Sparganium erectum, Sparganium minimum, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Lobelia dortmanna, Equisetum fluviatile, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Elodea canadensis, Lemna minor, Lemna trisulca, Nymphaea alba, Callitriche platycarpa, Callitriche stagnalis, Littorella uniflora, Potamogeton natans, Ranunculus trichophyllus, Glyceria fluitans, Chara subspinosa
A14 — Fast flowing river and stream
Myriophyllum alterniflorum community
Show 15 indicator speciesIsolepis fluitans, Juncus bulbosus, Fontinalis antipyretica, Lobelia dortmanna, Equisetum fluviatile, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Lemna minor, Callitriche stagnalis, Littorella uniflora, Potamogeton filiformis, Potamogeton gramineus, Potamogeton natans, Ranunculus peltatus, Chara spp., Nitella hyalina
A17 — Chalk river and stream, Fast flowing river and stream
Ranunculus penicillatus ssp. pseudofluitans community
Show 11 indicator speciesBerula erecta, Nasturtium officinale, Elodea canadensis, Lemna minor, Callitriche stagnalis, Veronica beccabunga, Polygonum amphibium, Polygonum hydropiper, Potamogeton crispus, Potamogeton pectinatus, Ranunculus penicillatus ssp. pseudofluitans
A18 — Fast flowing river and stream
Ranunculus fluitans community
Show 12 indicator speciesFontinalis antipyretica, Fontinalis squamosa var. curnowii, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, Myriophyllum spicatum, Elodea canadensis, Mentha aquatica, Lemna gibba, Lemna minor, Potamogeton perfoliatus, Ranunculus fluitans, Glyceria fluitans, Phalaris arundinacea