Districts:
West Oxfordshire Parishes
South Leigh
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
Rolling Clayland
Site Code: 30Y01
Area: 37.5ha
This site is a good sized ancient woodland, which means that it has been continuously wooded for at least 400 years. Most of the trees were removed during the First World War so there are few large old trees.
Most of the woodland is neglected ash, field maple and hazel coppice*. Birch is also common throughout the wood. On the ground some areas are covered with bluebells and dog’s mercury giving it the typical appearance of bluebell woodland. Other woodland wildflowers found here include wood anemone and primrose. Such woodland is a national priority for nature conservation.
*Coppicing is a traditional management type where small many trees and shrubs are regularly cut down to the ground producing an harvest of thin branches. This is particularly beneficial to woodland flowers and animals such as butterflies.
Wooded Estatelands
Site Code: 31V01
Area: 85.4ha
This site is a large area of ancient woodland, which means it has been continuously wooded since 1600AD. Large parts of the wood have been replanted with conifers. However towards the edge of the wood there are good remnants of traditional old broadleaved woodland. Such woodland is a national nature conservation priority.
A good range of woodland wildflowers have been recorded here including wood sorrel, bluebells, primrose and sanicle. The site is part of a much larger block with the woodlands that lie to the east and together these woodlands provide valuable habitat for birds.