NOT far from East Lancashire, the uplands between Settle and Malham are a special place.

I discovered this area of limestone 'clints and grikes,' known as Winskill Stones, a few years ago in Spring and was stunned by the riot of wild flowers. It is a place of peace and beauty and the characteristic limestone pavements and outcrops provide a special habitat.

However, such areas are under threat from wholesale plundering of weather-worn limestone for the garden market. The areas are left desecrated, looking like heaps of rubble.

The late Geoff Hamilton highlighted the issue on Gardener's World and showed how to make artificial rockery stones as an acceptable substitute. Plantlife, a rapidly-growing charity established a few years ago, campaigns to save wildflowers and preserve habitats, thus also helping birds and wildlife.

At present, it has a precious opportunity to buy Winskill Stones if it can find the funds. Geoff Hamilton was patron of the appeal, which still has some way to go, and the site will be dedicated to his memory.

If you can help in any way, the address is Plantlife, c/o The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London. SW7 5BD.

G HINDLE (Mr), Moorland Road, Blackburn.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.