Warton Crag facts for kids
Warton Crag is a special limestone hill located in north west Lancashire, England. It is found near the village of Warton, within the City of Lancaster area. Standing at 163 meters (535 feet) tall, it is the highest point in the beautiful Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Warton Crag is also known as a "HuMP," which means "Hundred Metre Prominence." This describes hills that rise at least 100 meters (328 feet) from the land around them.
Parts of Warton Crag are protected as Local Nature Reserves, named Warton Crag and Warton Crag Quarry. Different groups help to look after the hill, including Lancashire County Council, the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, Lancaster City Council, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
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Exploring Warton Crag's Past
Warton Crag has a long history, with signs that people lived here many thousands of years ago.
Ancient Caves and Early Humans
On the western side of the hill, there are two caves called Dog Holes and Badger Hole. Scientists have found many old tools and items during digs in these caves. These discoveries show that early humans used to live and work in these caves a very long time ago.
The Iron Age Hillfort
The very top of Warton Crag was once home to an ancient fort during the Iron Age. This was a time in history when people used iron tools and weapons. The fort covered an area of about 3.2 hectares (8 acres). It was protected by natural rock cliffs and steep slopes on its south and west sides. On the other sides, there were three stone walls, called ramparts, built in a curved shape to defend the fort.
In 2016, experts from Historic England used a special technology called lidar to study the site. They suggested that the structure might not have been a fort for fighting. Instead, it could have been a large enclosure on the hilltop, possibly built even earlier, during the Late Bronze Age.
Discovering Nature at Warton Crag
Warton Crag is a fantastic place for nature lovers, filled with many different plants and animals.
Amazing Plants and Flowers
Many types of plants grow on Warton Crag. You can find the horseshoe vetch, a yellow flower that is usually found further south. The spindle tree, with its bright pink fruits, also grows here. The crag is also home to many kinds of ferns, which are ancient plants without flowers.
The hill is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because it has the best example of limestone grassland in Lancashire. This type of grassland grows on chalky soil and is home to special plants. There are also areas of Limestone pavement, which are flat, exposed rocks with deep cracks, creating unique habitats.
Butterflies and Birds
Warton Crag is a paradise for butterflies! Many different kinds live here, including some rare ones like the pearl bordered fritillary and the high brown fritillary. These beautiful butterflies need special habitats to survive.
The old quarry on the west side of the crag is a special place for birds. It is a regular breeding spot for peregrine falcons, which are the fastest birds in the world! Volunteers called the Falcon Watch team help to protect these amazing birds while they raise their young.
Fun Activities at Warton Crag
Warton Crag is not just for nature and history; it's also a great place for outdoor activities.
Rock Climbing Adventures
The crag is a popular spot for rock-climbing. Climbers enjoy testing their skills on the limestone cliffs. It's a challenging and exciting sport that brings people closer to nature.
Warton Children's Sports Day Race
Every year, as part of Warton Children's Sports Day, there is a special fell race held on Warton Crag. A fell race is a type of running race that takes place over hills and rough terrain. It's a fun event that encourages kids to enjoy the outdoors and stay active.
