Over the past 20 years Leveret Croft has been transformed from 4 acres of rough grazing pasture into a haven for wild life. The land is below Stanage Edge, on a spring line with five linked ponds. There is a boggy area where marsh orchids grow and a large wild flower meadow and adjoining woodland. Dry stone walls mark boundaries and give a home to lizards, voles, toads, and a variety of beetles. Hare, pheasant, heron and badgers come and visit. Swifts nest on the house, a little owl perches there and mandarin ducks brood in a hollow stump. The woodland is full of bird boxes.
The Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme recognised the work with a small grant last year but help is needed to keep the land in its present good order.Could you help by volunteering? Jobs include repairing dry stone walls, tree planting and coppicing, building “brash” hedges and many other activities to ensure the land stays welcoming to wildlife.
