Districts:
South Oxfordshire Parishes
Mapledurham
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
Wooded Estate Slopes and Valley Sides
Site Code: 67T02
Area: 4.9ha
This steep bank supports the typical short wildflower rich turf of chalk grassland. Chalk grassland is now mainly restricted to the steeper banks such as this and is a national priority for nature conservation.
Wildflowers that can be seen here include both wild and large thyme, clustered bellflower and salad burnet.
Site Code: 67T06
Area: 1.3ha
This site is found on a bank close to the southern escapement of the Chilterns. Although the name suggests it is woodland it is in fact an area of scrub with open areas with chalk grassland. Chalk grassland is now mainly restricted to steeper banks such as this and is a national priority for nature conservation.
The site is unmanaged and relies on grazing by rabbits and deer to maintain the grassland. Wildflowers found here include large thyme, marjoram, cowslip, and yellow-wort.
Site Code: 67T04
Area: 2.5ha
This steep bank lies along a valley that cuts into the southern escarpment of the Chilterns. It supports the typical short wildflower rich turf of chalk grassland. Chalk grassland is now mainly restricted to the steeper banks such as this and is a national priority for nature conservation.
Wildflowers found here include large thyme and clustered bellflower. Horseshoe vetch is also present. This is the foodplant of the Adonis blue butterfly which has been recorded here. Adonis blue is rare and is a national priority for nature conservation.