Graceful grasslands of a limestone landscape

Join Project Officer, Craig Wade, as he explores the fascinating limestone grasslands of Moel Hiraddug, known as Dyserth Mountain – an Iron Age hillfort, also a former quarry, and now forming rare semi-natural calcareous grasslands, located in the beautiful Clwydian Range of North Wales. But did you know there's an alien invader hiding in plain sight!

Invasive cotoneaster overtaking limestone habitat Moel Hiraddug ©Craig Wade NWWT

On a typical British summer’s day in June – overcast and windy, yet surprisingly warm – I followed the uphill path. It wasn’t long before I encountered dense green scrub on the slopes, dotted with native wildflowers competing for space. However, looking closer much of the landscape appeared dominated by one invasive species: cotoneaster (Cotoneaster horizontalis), which had aggressively overtaken this valuable habitat.

Invasive cotoneaster was introduced to the UK from Eastern Asia in the late 19th century as a garden plant, with over 100 cultivated varieties. It’s now recognised as one of the top ten species to negatively impact protected sites in Wales. Their berries are easily dispersed by birds contributing to its widespread distribution.

Cotoneaster species are listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act as an invasive species. This doesn’t mean you can’t grow it in your garden, however please consider the potential impact on wildlife and choose alternatives if possible. Many organisations, including us at North Wales Wildlife Trust, are committed to the removal of this invasive plant in order to maintain the natural balance and diversity of local ecosystems.

Limestone grasslands of Moel Hiraddug ©Craig Wade NWWT

Our Limestone Grassland Restoration Project focuses on recording and managing invasive cotoneaster on five protected sites in North Wales. We launched our very own ‘Plant Swap Scheme’ to engage local gardeners in conservation efforts. Budding gardeners up their tools to remove the cotoneaster found in their own gardens – a small success for nature with nearly 60 invasive cotoneaster plants removed, reducing the seed source.

They received a gardening voucher to replace it with wildlife friendly alternatives, such as holly, Skimmia 'Nymans' or wild privet. A heartfelt Diolch(thank you) to all that took part! Our Gardens are cherished spaces that require care and dedication to establish.

View from Moel Hiraddug with limestone grassland in the foreground ©Craig Wade NWWT

Upon reaching the summit, the diverse array of flowering plants immediately captured my interest and I was excited to explore the grassy path. During my visit the ground was a carpet of golden common rock-rose, accompanied by fragrant wild thyme, burnet rose, tufted vetch, salad burnet and delicate eyebright – all in full bloom.

Unfortunately, this is not the case for many of our limestone grasslands, and sadly around 90% of our semi natural grasslands have declined since the 20^th century, due to abandonment or changes in traditional land management and invasive non-native species. With remaining areas now often small in size and highly fragmented.

Common Blue Butterfly- Moel Hiraddug ©Craig Wade NWWT

The bounty of butterflies and insects compared to my ascent through the dense cotoneaster was apparent. A fluttering common blue butterfly caught my attention, as well as the buzz of bumblebees and beetles all pollinating the flowers.

Luckily the weather remained clear to enjoy the panoramic views of surrounding countryside, and the North Wales Coast, taking a moment of thought and a break from the everyday. Touching the grasses and limestone gave a sense of connection with nature. It’s important that these rare habitats continue to thrive and are managed to preserve them for wildlife, for us now, and for future generations to enjoy their wonder

North Wales Wildlife Trust manages 36 nature reserves, including limestone grassland habitats of Maes Hiraddug, Bryn Pydew and Rhiwledyn to name a few. Our dedicated reserves team and volunteers conserve these grasslands using traditional methods, to keep soil nitrogen levels low, and reduce competition from taller grasses in the summer. They’re free to visit! Find out more here: Nature Reserves

Everything we do part of The Limestone Grassland Restoration project has been made possible with thanks to the Lottery Heritage Fund, on behalf of the Welsh Government.

This blog is not intended as a walking guide, however if you venture out please stick to Rights of Way or designated paths. Respect residents and landowners, please keep dogs under control or on lead as there might be roaming livestock. The route includes steep, uneven, slippery paths and sudden drop offs. Appropriate footwear is advised.