The Cheltenham Escarpment, more commonly known to residents as Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common, has been designated as one of King Charles III's new National Nature Reserves (NNR).
It is the site of the 'Devil's Chimney', a distinctive limestone pillar which is believed to have been left standing by quarry workers 鈥� though some maintain the folk tale that it was constructed by the devil himself to sit atop and throw stones at churchgoers.
As well as the legendary landmark, the area is home to some of the country's 'most exceptional inland Jurassic geology', with one of the thickest inland sequences of Jurassic limestone in England, as well as shelly fossils dating back 170 million years from when Cheltenham was submerged beneath a shallow, subtropical sea which stretched from the Dorset coast up into Yorkshire.
Leckhampton Hill's limestone deposits were quarried extensively for hundreds of years to produce the characteristic honey-coloured buildings found throughout Cheltenham and the Cotswolds, resulting in the rocky outcrops which can be seen there today.
The area is also an important wildlife habitat, home to small blue, chalk-hill blue and rare Duke of Burgundy butterflies, as well as nationally significant limestone grassland where wildflowers including purple milk-vetch, musk orchid and fly orchid thrive.
Beloved by walkers and nature lovers, the area attracts thousands of visitors each year thanks to its position on the national trail, and boasts panoramic views over the Regency town and out towards the Severn Vale and the Welsh hills.
And thanks to a variety of grants, there are over three kilometres of accessible pathways, including a recently completed link between National Star College, Crickley Hill and Leckhampton Hill, providing access for wheelchair users.
Its new National Nature Reserve status connects the Cheltenham Escarpment with other important limestone landsapes across England, to protect them for generations to come.
Chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper CBE, said: 'The Cheltenham Escarpment is a remarkable landscape, where Jurassic geology underpins some of England's finest limestone grasslands and wildlife.
'This designation strengthens protection for our unique geological diversity and its precious habitats, creates a bigger and better-connected space for nature recovery, and offers thousands of people the chance to explore it.'
Councillor Martin Horwood added: 'As mayor of Cheltenham and a Leckhampton resident and councillor myself, I could not be prouder to see the reserve at Leckhampton Hill recognised as part of the King鈥檚 Series of National Nature Reserves.
'There is a unique blend of beauty, history, nature and geology here that has inspired love and poetry and protest, art and education. Cheltenham Borough Council is the reserve's custodian now and absolutely committed to its future for people and for nature.
'The reserve now plays a vital role in nature recovery and offers thousands of residents and visitors the chance to connect with history and nature on our doorstep.
'The status of a National Nature Reserve will help protect and celebrate the hill and the escarpment for future generations, while strengthening Cheltenham鈥檚 reputation as a town where nature, wellbeing and heritage are deeply valued.'
NNR status is being awarded to 25 of the very best nature conservation sites in England between 2023 and 2028, to recognise and protect nationally important wildlife habitats and geological features, with the Cheltenham Escarpment being the 15th.
The scheme is known as the King's Series of National Nature Reserves, in recognition of King Charles III's coronation and ongoing interest in the environment.
