‘Remarkable landscape’ named England’s newest nature reserve
A “remarkable landscape” of Jurassic geology, heritage, limestone grasslands and wildlife has been declared England’s latest national nature reserve.
The Cheltenham Escarpment, overlooking the Regency spa town and horse-racing centre of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, has been designated the 15th site in the King’s Series of National Nature Reserves.
The new reserve contains Jurassic geology, telling the story of a time around 170 million years ago when the area lay beneath a shallow, subtropical sea, with its shelly fossils studied by geologists for more than 200 years, Natural England said.
It is also home to the Devil’s Chimney landmark, a limestone pillar left standing by quarry workers who extensively quarried the area in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Government’s nature agency said.
The geology of the 60-hectare (150-acre) reserve is said to underpin its nationally important limestone grassland, with the site home to wildlife including wildflowers such as musk and fly orchids and 33 butterfly species including small and chalk-hill blues and the rare Duke of Burgundy.
The site on the Cotswold Way National Trail, which is owned and managed by Cheltenham Borough Council, attracts thousands of visitors each year, with views across to the distant hills of Wales.
Natural England said the new reserve exemplified landscape-scale nature recovery, and that the declaration would raise awareness of the rocks underfoot, strengthen the site’s protection and help more people and local communities connect with nature.
Tony Juniper, chair of Natural England, said: “The Cheltenham Escarpment is a remarkable landscape, where Jurassic geology underpins some of England’s finest limestone grasslands and wildlife.
“This designation strengthens protection for our unique geological diversity and its precious habitats, creates a bigger and better-connected space for nature recovery, and offers thousands of people the chance to explore it.”
The mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor Martin Horwood, said: “This designation as England’s newest National Nature Reserve is a proud moment for Cheltenham and a fitting recognition of the extraordinary landscape we are privileged to care for.
“Today, the reserve plays a vital role in nature recovery and offers thousands of residents and visitors the chance to connect with the outdoors on our doorstep.
“The status of a National Nature Reserve will help protect and celebrate the escarpment for future generations, while strengthening Cheltenham’s reputation as a town where nature, well-being and heritage are deeply valued.”
Dr John Harvey, representing The Friends of Leckhampton Hill, said the recognition was testament not only to the site but the dedication of the many volunteers and local people who helped care for it.
“From maintaining paths and grassland habitats, to welcoming visitors and supporting conservation work, the community plays a vital role in keeping Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common such a special place for both wildlife and people,” he said.
The King’s Series of National Nature Reserves aims to tell England’s geological story through a network of 25 new or extended nature reserves by 2028, and provide bigger, better and more joined up areas for nature to thrive.
Nature minister Mary Creagh said: “National Nature Reserves are the crown jewels of our natural environment, and with its unique geology, heritage and wildlife, the Cheltenham Escarpment richly deserves its place among them.
“This declaration underlines our commitment to protecting and restoring nature across England, giving wildlife the space it needs to recover while connecting people with nature,” she said.