Natural History of Upper Teesdale

2 - Weather & Climate

Geographically, the Pennines are unique within England because they are the only significant upland area that is not close to the sea. This fact has implications for the climate of the Pennines and, with the River Teeshaving its source close to Cross Fell, the highest summit in the Pennine chain, Upper Teesdale has its own climatic conditions. 

At the altitudes of 350–800 m in the Dale, the growing season is very short, even with ‘the best weather’,with implications for wildlife and hill farmers. Climactic conditions allow some plant growth but only partial decomposition of dead material, the latter forming peat to a depth of around 2m. Extreme climatic events are a characteristic of the area.