Perch SSSI, Protected ecological site near Cheddar Gorge, Mendip Hills, England
Perch is a Site of Special Scientific Interest spanning approximately 72 hectares of limestone grasslands and woodlands on the southern slope of the Mendip Hills. The landscape consists of open grassland areas interspersed with patches of scrub and forest that create varied habitats for wildlife.
The area was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1990 by Natural England to protect its distinctive geological formations and ecological systems. This designation recognized the importance of the site's natural features for scientific study and conservation.
The site serves as a working research area where scientists study rare plant species such as purple gromwell and various orchid populations that thrive on the limestone slopes. Local universities and environmental organizations use it for ongoing monitoring and education about native species conservation.
Access to this protected site requires permission from Natural England before undertaking any activities that might disturb the habitats or wildlife. Visitors should contact the organization in advance to understand what access is permitted and any guidelines they need to follow.
The site hosts 22 mammal species including five types of bats, along with more than 30 breeding bird species and numerous butterfly varieties that depend on its limestone habitats. This concentration of animal life makes it a refuge for creatures that struggle to survive elsewhere in the region.
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