Abstract

The former Danes Moss landfill site, south of Macclesfield, comprises approximately 50 ha of grassland and scrub within a wider lowland raised bog landscape. Owing to safety restrictions, the site has historically been poorly surveyed. In 2025, access was enabled through the provision of gas-monitoring equipment, allowing volunteers to undertake targeted wildlife recording. Surveys focused on two butterfly species of conservation concern: Dingy Skipper Erynnis tages and Small Heath Coenonympha pamphilus. Results confirmed the presence of two discrete Dingy Skipper colonies, likely influenced by habitat structure and shelter rather than foodplant availability alone, and a widespread population of Small Heath across open grassland. Additional records of associated butterflies and moths, alongside a broad range of other taxa, demonstrate the site’s considerable biodiversity value. The findings will inform initial habitat management recommendations for the landfill operator, FCC Environmental.

The survey was supported by a grant from Tanyptera Trust

Published 29/01/2026