UKC

Wondering if cheadale is bad for midges this time of year?

Cheers

Sam D

In reply to Sambo:

No, at least is wasn't last Sunday.

In reply to Sambo: Is that Cheadle near Manchester you are referring to? If so, the nearest crag is probably Windgather.

In reply to Sambo: Sorry I meant Chee Dale thinking of going tomo, but don't fancy climbing with any midges

In reply to Sambo: Not a significant problem; the limestone areas are generally ok compared to the grit at this time of year.

In reply to Sambo: why not

In reply to brian a:

Vegetation type probably.

2.1 Habitat
Recent research has identified the three NVC vegetation communities in which most breeding sites of the highland midge C. impunctatus occur:
1. The Sphagnum sub-community of Betula pubescens - Molinia caerulea woodland (W4);
2. Molinia caerulea - Potentilla erecta mire (M25);
3. Juncus acutifolius sub-community of Juncus effusum / acutifolius - Gallium palustre rush pasture (M23).
The common features of the breeding habitat seem to be the presence of Sphagnum spp., the rushes, J. articulatus and J, acutiflorus or the purple moor grass M. caerulea. These plants characterise soils with a high enough water content for the development of the larvae. This habitat is not uncommon in the West Highlands.

Research is based on Scotland but to summarise: it's bogs!

In reply to Bulls Crack:

Nah. It's the rock. Limestone is far too hard and steep. They can only manage grit. Softies.

In reply to Bulls Crack: Interesting research. In the Peak you can substitute moorland for bog. If you steer clear of moorland grit you generally do not have a significant problem with the dreaded beasties. There are some exceptions of course due to local drainage and vegetation. But generally limestone crags tend to be ok. It's also worth bearing in mind that there are several grit crags in the Peak that are not close to boggy moorland.