Districts:
Cherwell Parishes
North Newington
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: 43J04
Area: 2ha
The Bretch (Giants Cave)
The Bretch is an old ironstone quarry owned and managed by Cherwell District Council. Like many old quarries limestone grassland has established and these are one of the main areas where this type of grassland can still be seen. Limestone grassland is a national priority for nature conservation.
Wildflowers that can be seen here include wild thyme, rock-rose, along with colourful taller field scabious and knapweeds. This grassland supports good numbers of marbled white butterflies. The Bretch is also classified as a Regionally Important Geological Site.