The acidic heathland here is punctuated with alkaline pools lying in the bottom of the valley, making for a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
NWT Syderstone Common is particularly notable for the presence of a population of natterjack toads, as it is one of only two inland sites in the UK where the rare toad is still found. As they need both chalky water and sandy soil in which to thrive, natterjacks are more usually found on coastal dunes. The males emerge from burrows at dusk and call in a chorus to attract females. Natterjacks can be identified by the yellow stripe running the length of its back. Please note that it is illegal to handle, disturb or photograph natterjack toads and great crested newts without a licence.
Dog policy:
Open Access, but walkers must keep dogs on a short lead March-July to avoid disturbance to ground-nesting birds. Outside this period walkers are requested to keep dogs under tight control or on a lead to avoid disturbance to livestock when present.