Gritstone edges and boulder slopes: Combs Edge
The gritstone edges, and boulder slopes of Combs Edge make a distinctive landscape feature on the edge of Combs Moss. Smaller exposures can also be found on the sides of the many steep-sided valleys (or cloughs) that punctuate the moorland landscape elsewhere.
The exposed rock of these features is colonised by a wide range of lichen species whilst ferns including beech- and oak ferns are also common, especially on more sheltered ledges and in cloughs. Occasionally, ungrazed ledges can be found and these support plants such as bilberry, great woodrush and goldenrod.
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Such edges, boulder slopes and cloughs also provide a vital habitat for many nesting birds, including ring ouzel, peregrine and raven. Indeed, Dark Peak populations of these species are entirely dependent on secluded gritstone edges for nesting. Where a cover of bracken is found, it provides nesting cover for other bird species, particularly whinchats and wheatears. Furthermore, gritstone edges and boulder slopes provide habitat for England's only population of mountain hares and offer potential hibernation sites for all eight of Derbyshire's bat species. Such edges, boulder slopes and cloughs also provide a vital habitat for many nesting birds, including ring ouzel, peregrine and raven. Indeed, Dark Peak populations of these species are entirely dependent on secluded gritstone edges for nesting. Where a cover of bracken is found, it provides nesting cover for other bird species, particularly whinchats and wheatears.
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