Districts:
Cherwell Parishes
Duns Tew
The following wildlife habitats fall within this parish. They are listed according to their associated landscape type or local character area.
If you want more information about any of the sites of special scientific interest (SSSIs) listed below, take a look at English Nature's Nature on the Map website. It may also be possible to find out a bit more about the unnamed wildlife habitats in the parish by contacting the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre (owls@oxfordshire.gov.uk) and quoting the site code next to the habitat description.
The majority of these wildlife habitats are on private land and access to them is not possible without permission of the landowner, unless there is a statutory right of way. However, many wildlife habitats in the county are open to the public. More information on these can be obtained from the Oxfordshire Nature Conservation Forum.
Wildlife Habitats
Farmland Plateau
Site Code: 43A01.2
Area: 3.11ha
This site is a long established area of old plantation woodland. The wood is a mixture of native broadleaved trees including beech, ash oak and hornbeam along with the non-native sycamore. The shrub layer has much holly and hawthorn while on the ground there are carpets of bluebells in the spring. Mixed broadleaved woodland is a national priority for nature conservation.
Besides the bluebells other woodland wildflowers found here include dog’s mercury, sanicle and pignut. Early purple orchid and most notably the uncommon and unusual bird’s nest orchid have been recorded here in the past.
Wooded Estatelands
Site Code: 42N01
Area: 8.2ha
Grid Ref: SP456273 and SP456276
Horsehay Quarries SSSI
This is one of a number quarries in Oxfordshire where quarrying has exposed rock formations that are very important to the understanding of geological history. The eastern quarry is still active while the western quarry where just the quarry face is included is disused.
Site Code: 42N01
Area: 4.2ha
This site is the disused sand quarry. Wildflower rich grassland has colonised the quarry since quarrying ceased. This varies from calcareous limestone grassland to more acidic areas with gorse scrub. Grassland such as this is a national nature conservation priority.
Wildflowers present include bee, common spotted and pyramidal orchids, common centaury and kidney vetch. A variety of rare and uncommon insects have been recorded here including a number of beetles, one which is a national nature conservation priority, and the small blue butterfly.
Site Code: 42N01
Grid Ref: SP456273 and SP456276
Area: 8.2ha
Horsehay Quarries SSSI
This is one of a number quarries in Oxfordshire where quarrying has exposed rock formations. The eastern quarry is still active while the western quarry where just the quarry face is included is disused. The exposures of rocks laid down during the Middle Jurassic period are very important to the understanding of geological history.
Site Code: 42N01
Area: 8.2ha
Horsehay Quarries SSSI
This is one of a number quarries in Oxfordshire where quarrying has exposed rock formations that are very important to the understanding of geological history. The eastern quarry is still active while the western quarry where just the quarry face is included is disused.
Wooded Estate Slopes and Valley Sides
Site Code: 33K01
Area: 5.1ha
This site lies on the valley slopes of the River Swere. The northern bank has areas of limestone grassland which is now mainly restricted to steeper banks such as this. This side of the valley also has an area of woodland that has developed from scrub in recent years. There is also a spring where the water spreads out over the surface forming what is known as a flush where marshy vegetation with many rushes is found. There are further areas of marshy habitat at the base of the bank next to the river. On the southern bank there is an area of long established broadleaved woodland composed of native species. These habitats are national priorities for nature conservation.
Grassland wildflowers found here include cowslip, salad burnet, hairy violet, fairy flax and colourful purple flowered knapweed. Common spotted orchids are found in the marshy areas. In the woodland the uncommon herb Paris is found. Other woodland wildflowers present here include primrose and violets.