Landscape Types:
Wooded Pasture Valleys & Slopes
24. WOODED PASTURE VALLEYS & SLOPES
Regional Character Areas
Northamptonshire Uplands, Cotswolds, Chilterns.
Location
The landscape type extends over the steep-sided valleys in the Ironstone area around Wroxton and Shennington, the valleys of the rivers Glyme and Dorn in the Cotswolds, the tributary valleys of the river Windrush and the dry valleys to the south of the Chilterns.
Overview
This landscape type includes pastoral and wooded landscapes associated with the steep slopes and valleys of small streams and main rivers.
Key characteristics
• Steep sided valleys and slopes.
• Large, interlocking blocks of ancient and plantation woodland.
• Small pasture fields with localised unimproved grassland.
• Tall, thick hedges and densely scattered hedgerow trees.
• Small intact villages and hamlets.
Geology and landform
In the Cotswolds, the geology is largely composed of the soft rocks of the Middle and Upper Lias which are drained by rivers and streams to create steep-sided valleys. Around Duns Tew and further north, the Lower and Middle Lias beds cut through the Marlstone supporting heavy clay soils. In the Chilterns, the dry valleys are underlain by older river gravels and local clay outliers.
Land use and vegetation
The steep valley sides are dominated by semi-improved pasture, and arable farming is largely restricted to the gentler, upper slopes. Examples are the valleys of the Ironstone area to the north and the dry Stonor valley in the Chilterns. There are also remnants of unimproved calcareous grassland surviving on the steeper slopes, which are often interspersed with scattered hawthorn and blackthorn scrub. The mosaic of woodland and grassland is characteristic of this landscape type. The combination of these landscape elements varies but it is woodland, often interspersed with scattered scrub, which dominates the steep valley sides of the rivers Glyme and Dorn and the small tributary valleys of the River Windrush. The dry valleys in the Chilterns are also heavily wooded.
Ash, oak, field maple and some hazel coppice are the main tree and shrub species associated with the ancient woodland of the Cotswolds and the semi-natural woodland of the Ironstone area. Sometimes the woodland in the Cotswolds is mixed, with small blocks of secondary beech woodland. Mixed plantations are also a significant feature, particularly in the estate parklands at Glympton, Kiddington and Steeple Barton. In the Chilterns, there is a lot of ancient semi-natural woodland including ancient beech woodland, and woodland dominated by ash and oak. Mixed and coniferous plantations with beech, ash, oak and conifers have been interplanted with the ancient woodland. The extensive woodland cover provides a strong sense of enclosure, shelter and coherence. It contrasts sharply with the open character of the adjacent plateaux and vales that the small valleys dissect.
Another characteristic feature of this landscape type is the dense tree-lined watercourses along the valley bottoms. They are dominated by white and crack willow, often pollarded, as well as ash, alder and hawthorn scrub. There are also blocks of semi-natural wet ash and willow woodland, poplar plantations and patches of wet and marshy grassland. Together, these features help to strengthen and emphasise the corridors and at the same time impart an intimate, pastoral character to the valley bottoms.
Cultural pattern
The field pattern is characterised by small fields which are enclosed by both woodland and hedges. Hedges are often tall and thick, and consist mainly of hawthorn, elm, ash, field maple and hazel. They are the main field boundaries and are more visually prominent in the less wooded areas. In these same areas, the mature hedgerow trees and tall hedges create a strong sense of enclosure. Ash is the main hedgerow tree along with oak, sycamore and field maple. Around Heythrop and Fordwells, stone walls are the main field boundaries.
The settlement pattern is generally characterised by very small villages and hamlets with a strong vernacular character, as well as a very low density of farmsteads. In the Chilterns, the farmsteads are frequently located at the edges of the woods and roadsides whereas linear settlements, such as Lower and Middle Assendon and Stonor, are located along the valley bottoms. Ironstone, with slate tiles or thatched roofs, is the main building material in the villages around Duns Tew, whereas limestone with stone tiles is more characteristic of the Cotswolds. In the Chilterns, there is a mix of building materials including brick and flint, red and blue bricks, and timber-framed houses with clay tiles. Old barns, made of timber or brick and flint, are also characteristic features in the Chilterns.
BIODIVERSITY
Overview
This landscape type is characterised by steep slopes and narrow, steep-sided valleys located mainly within the Cotswolds and Chilterns. It supports a wide range of habitats including many important and priority habitats including ancient semi-natural woodland, species-rich hedgerows and different types of unimproved grassland.
Key Characteristics
• Bioscores are predominantly low-medium to medium, but some areas score very high.
• Priority habitats include ancient semi-natural beech woodland, species-rich hedgerows with trees, calcareous and acid grassland.
General Description
This landscape type occupies around 3% of the rural county. Although most of the local character areas have bioscores that are low-medium to medium, some of the valleys in the Chilterns and parts of the upper Glyme valley score very high because of the wide range of habitats, including many priority habitats, which they support. In the Chilterns, priority habitats include ancient semi-natural beech woodland, calcareous grassland, and acid grassland and heath. In the Cotswolds there is calcareous, neutral and marshy grassland as well as some wet woodland, reedswamp, and species-rich ponds and lakes.
LOCAL CHARACTER AREAS
Landscape Character
The area is characterised by small-sized fields, mostly semi-improved grassland often interspersed with scattered scrub, and some marshy grassland along the valley bottom. Arable farming is mainly located on the upper gentler slopes. Fields are enclosed by overgrown and gappy hawthorn hedges which, in some places, have been replaced by fences. A key feature is the dense corridor of white and goat willow, alder and hawthorn bordering the valley bottom watercourse. There are also stands of semi-natural wet woodland along the valley bottom and small blocks of mostly mixed plantations scattered throughout the northern part of the valley.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 105/MH
This area supports a range of locally important habitats including plantations, semi-improved grassland, scrub, species-poor hedges with trees and tree-lined watercourses. There are several other important habitats, including some acid grassland and patches of gorse scrub, as well as wet woodland and marshy grassland in the slopes and valleys to the east of Shutford.
B. Wroxton (NU/23)
Landscape Character
The area has a mixed pattern of land uses with semi-improved grassland predominating. There are small areas of calcareous and acid grassland on the very steep slopes and some wet grassland along the valley bottom. Fields are enclosed by woods and intact, tall dense hedges of hawthorn, elm, ash and field maple and mature oak and ash hedgerow trees. Along the valley bottom there is a dense corridor of ash, white willow and alder. Scattered throughout, but particularly on the upper slopes, are a number of different sized plantations and deciduous woodlands. To the south of Wroxton there are several large mixed plantations, including some that link up with the parkland at Wroxton College.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 119/MH
Locally important habitats in this area include deciduous woodland, semi-improved grassland, scrub, species-poor hedges with trees, and tree-lined watercourses. There are also a number of other important and priority habitats associated with the slopes and valley bottom of Sor Brook to the north of Horley. These include patches of acid and calcareous grassland on the slopes and wet grassland next to the stream. The area also includes part of Wroxton Park with its mature trees and lakes.
C. Shotteswell (east) (NU/27)
Landscape Character
The landscape has small-sized fields and a mix of land uses. Semi-improved grassland is dominant in the northern part of the area. Fields are generally enclosed by tall hedges of hawthorn, blackthorn and dog rose. These are much lower in height towards the south, where arable farming is the main land use. Mature hedgerow trees, which are mostly ash, provide a sense of coherence throughout the landscape. Overall, the hedgerow network is intact, but it is gappier where grassland predominates. Woodland is less prominent in this area and is limited to occasional small blocks of semi-natural deciduous woodland and mixed plantations. In places, pollarded willows border the watercourse along the valley bottom.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 41/LM
This area has several locally important habitats including deciduous woodland, semi-improved grassland, scrub, species-poor hedges with trees and tree-lined watercourses.
D. Sibford Gower (west) (CW.40)
Landscape Character
The area is dominated by small-scale pastureland with some calcareous grassland on the steeper slopes. Fields are enclosed by tall gappy hedges with a range of species including hawthorn, blackthorn, dogwood and field maple. Mature, densely scattered trees of ash and sycamore strengthen the hedgerow network. A prominent feature is the dense corridor of willow, some of it pollarded, and scrub bordering the stream. Woodland cover is insignificant and is restricted to a few very small deciduous plantations.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 46/LM
Locally important habitats include plantations, semi-improved grassland, species-poor hedges with trees and tree-lined watercourses. There is some calcareous grassland associated with part of the disused quarry to the south of the Sibfords.
Landscape Character
The area has medium-sized fields and a mix of land uses with semi-improved grassland dominating the very steep banks. Fields are enclosed by a network of prominent, tall roadside hedges with mature, densely scattered trees of ash, field maple, crab apple and sycamore. Internal hedges are much lower and have fewer trees, particularly where arable farming predominates and they are overgrown and gappy in pastoral areas. There is a prominent, continuous corridor of ash, willow and sycamore bordering the watercourse along the valley bottom. Small blocks of semi-natural deciduous woodland and mixed plantations growing on the slopes add to the tree cover.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 69/M
There is a range of locally important habitats including deciduous woodlands, plantations, semi-improved grassland, species-poor hedges with trees and tree-lined watercourses. There is also some calcareous grassland associated with part of the old disused quarry to the south of the Sibfords.
F. Lessor Farm (CW/35)
Landscape Character
The area is characterised by small-sized fields and a range of different land uses. Arable land is more prominent at the western end of the area. Fields are enclosed by dense hedges, particularly along roadsides, with species such as hawthorn, blackthorn and elm. Hedgerow trees, including ash, oak and white willow, are scattered throughout but are denser in the areas where there is more grassland. Internal field hedges are generally gappy and are lower in the more intensively managed arable areas.
There are a few mixed and deciduous plantations on the slopes, but these are often obscured by the tall hedges.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 45/LM
Locally important habitats in this area include deciduous woodland, plantations, semi-improved grassland, scrub, species-poor hedges with trees and tree-lined watercourses.
G. Lidstone (CW/42)
Landscape Character
This is a diverse landscape dominated by small-sized grass fields. There is some arable land between Lidstone and Enstone. Patches of unimproved calcareous grassland are found on the very steep slopes, and marshy grassland at the valley bottom next to the river Glyme. Fields are enclosed by woods and overgrown, gappy hawthorn hedges with thinly scattered hedgerow trees. Hedges are lower in arable areas and there are a few stone walls in the fields around Heythrop. Woodland is the dominant landscape feature throughout. Along the valley bottom there is a dense corridor of ash, sycamore and willow interspersed with wet woodland. Around Heythrop Park there are large mixed plantations with ash, sycamore and conifer species. There is some ancient semi-natural woodland on the steeper slopes. On some of the slopes a mosaic of woodland, scrub and grassland is the main landscape element. This is particularly noticeable around Southcombe, where there is woodland interspersed with bracken and gorse scrub.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 182/VH
This part of the upper Glyme Valley supports a diverse range of habitats. Locally important habitats include plantations, semi-improved grassland, scrub, species-poor hedges with trees and tree-lined watercourses. It is particularly notable for the number of priority habitats including calcareous grassland on the steeper, drier slopes and neutral and marshy grassland, reedswamp and wet woodland along the valley bottoms. There is also some acid grassland in the valley near Heythrop.
H. Westcott Barton (CW/46)
Landscape Character
The area has small-sized fields with mixed land use, but semi-improved grassland is generally dominant throughout. On the very steep slopes and along the valley bottom there are small areas of unimproved calcareous and marshy grassland. Arable farming is mainly found to the west of Little Tew, where the slopes are much gentler. There is an intact network of tall hawthorn, elm and hazel hedges that link the woodlands. Mature hedgerow trees, mostly ash and sycamore, contribute to the tree cover. Woodland is a prominent landscape element, which adds coherence throughout the area. It consists mainly of mixed plantations with species such as ash, field maple, oak and conifers. They are largely associated with the parklands at Sandford Park and Steeple Barton. Another characteristic feature is the dense corridor of ash, hawthorn, white willow, some of it pollarded, and poplar plantations bordering the River Dorn.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 110/MH
Locally important habitats in this area include plantations, semi-improved grassland, species-poor hedges with trees and tree-lined watercourses. The unimproved calcareous and marshy grassland is associated with a series of meadows to the south of Little Tew. Fen is another priority habitat and this is within a site to the east of Middle Barton. Other important habitats, such as mature trees and lakes, are part of the parklands at Sandford and Steeple Barton.
I. Duns Tew (west) (CW/47)
Landscape Character
The area is characterised by medium-sized grass and arable fields enclosed by overgrown, gappy hawthorn, elm and hazel hedges. Mature hedgerow trees, mostly ash and sycamore, are particularly prominent throughout the area. On the upper valley side there is a large block of ancient semi-natural woodland with ash, sycamore and hazel coppice. Pollarded willows bordering Cockley Brook add to the tranquil character of the landscape.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 37/LM
This area has locally important habitats including semi-improved grassland, species-poor hedges with trees and a tree-lined watercourse. Worton Wood is also a large block of ancient semi-natural woodland within the area.
J. Glympton Wood (CW/44)
Landscape Character
The valley is largely dominated by woodland, much of it ancient, with species such as ash and sycamore. Some woods have been replanted with beech and conifers. There are a few small-sized fields of semi-improved and calcareous grassland enclosed by woodland. Hawthorn hedges, with ash and sycamore trees, are relatively insignificant in this wooded landscape.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 71/M
This valley, which is part of the Ditchley Estate, is dominated by woodland. The range of locally important habitats, such as plantations and species-poor hedges with trees, is small. It does, however, have other important habitats including examples of ancient semi-natural woodland such as Hill and Glympton Woods, although parts of these have been replanted with more commercial tree species. There are also small patches of calcareous grassland.
K. Glympton (CW/43)
Landscape Character
The landscape is largely dominated by unimproved and semi-improved grassland. Calcareous grassland and scattered scrub are found on some of the steeper slopes, and there is wet and marshy grassland with patches of reedswamp next to the river Glyme. The slopes are largely characterised by a mosaic of small to medium-sized woods and grassland. The woodland consists mainly of mixed and deciduous plantations associated with distinctive parklands at Kiddington and Glympton. There is some ancient semi-natural woodland interspersed with scrub. Another characteristic feature is the dense corridor of trees bordering the River Glyme, with species such as ash, alder, hawthorn crack and white willow, some of it pollarded. The corridor also includes some wet woodland and poplar plantations. Fields are largely enclosed by the woods, tall thick hedges, hedgerow trees and a corridor of trees along the valley bottom.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 217/VH
This area, which covers the Glyme Valley from to Woodstock, is extremely rich and diverse, and includes a wide range of different habitats. Locally important habitats include plantations, semi-improved grassland, scrub, species-poor hedges with trees and tree-lined watercourses. Other important habitats include ancient semi-natural woodland, wet woodland and wet grassland. It also includes part of Blenheim Park with its mature trees and lakes. On the valley sides near Cleveley and Wootton there are good examples of calcareous grassland, and along the valley bottoms near Wootton and elsewhere there are sections of fen, marshy grassland, reedswamp and species-rich watercourse.
L. River Dorn (CW/45)
Landscape Character
The landscape is characterised by small to medium-sized grass fields grazed by cattle and ponies. On the steeper slopes there is some surviving calcareous grassland. Fields are enclosed by overgrown, gappy hedges which, in places, have been replaced by fences. Tree cover is also an important element in this area, with small to medium-sized interlocking blocks of ancient woodland and plantations on the northern part of the slopes. Ash, oak and field maple are the main species in these woods. The River Dorn is bordered by a dense corridor of white and crack willow, some of it pollarded, ash, alder, scrub and poplar plantations.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 79/M
Locally important habitats along the Dorn Valley include plantations, semi-improved grassland, scrub, species-poor hedges with trees and tree-lined watercourses. There is a block of ancient semi-natural woodland to the east of Barton Abbey and a bank of calcareous grassland to the north of Wootton.
M. Tangley Hall (CW/15)
Landscape Character
This is a heavily wooded landscape with continuous blocks of ancient semi-natural woodland on the steep valley sides. They mainly consist of ash, oak, field maple and hazel coppice, although parta of it have been planted with beech. Woodland and hawthorn hedges enclose the small arable fields. There is semi-improved grassland to the north, along with some ridge and furrow and calcareous grassland. Overall, the hedges are tall, thick and in good condition but are lower and gappier where they surround arable land. Some are species-rich, particularly where there is grassland.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 134/H
This area, which covers the upper part of Combe Brook Valley to the north of Taynton, is largely dominated by woodland. It supports a range of other locally important habitats including semi-improved grassland, scrub, species-poor hedges with trees and tree-lined watercourses. There are also large blocks of ancient semi-natural woodland including Tangley Woods and Taynton Bushes. Calcareous grassland and some fen can be found at Taynton Quarry, which falls partially within the area. There are species-rich hedges with trees and some marshy grassland along the valley bottom.
N. Paynes Farm (CW/10)
Landscape Character
The area is dominated by small grass fields with some calcareous and marshy grassland. Fields are enclosed by plantations and stone walls, which are generally in good condition. Characteristic landscape elements include small interlocking plantations on the valley sides and pollarded willows bordering the watercourse. The main tree species in the plantations are ash, beech, larch and pine.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 67/M
This area is the valley running north from Swinbrook. It includes locally important habitats such as plantations, semi-improved grassland, scrub and tree-lined watercourses. Along the valley bottom there is also marshy grassland associated with the cress beds at Swinbrook and some patches of calcareous grassland on the valley sides.
O. Fordwells (CW/9)
Landscape Character
The valley sides are dominated by semi-natural woodland, plantations and scattered scrub. The small grass fields and occasional patches of calcareous grassland are sometimes enclosed by tall, thick hawthorn hedges in good condition, and woodland. There are a few stone walls, which are overgrown with hawthorn scrub. Ash, field maple and hawthorn are the main deciduous woodland species and beech, larch and pine are found in the plantations.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 48/LM
This area includes plantations, semi-improved grassland, scrub and tree-lined watercourse. There is also a bank of calcareous grassland at the northern end of the valley.
P. Shilton (CW/2)
Landscape Character
The valley has a mixed pattern of small to medium-sized arable and grass fields, including some pony paddocks, on the steeper banks adjacent to Shill Brook. Field boundaries consist mainly of tall hawthorn hedges and stone walls, both of which are in good condition. The stream is bordered by pollarded willows and wet woodland with species such as ash and willow. There are a few very small coniferous plantations on the slopes.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 45/LM
Locally important habitats along the valley of the Shill Brook include plantations, semi-improved grassland, scrub, species-poor hedges with trees and trees bordering the watercourse. There is also some wet woodland along parts of the valley bottom.
Q. Caversham (north) (CH/9)
Landscape Character
This dry valley is dominated by small-sized grass fields, many used for pony paddocks, enclosed by fences. There are also some overgrown, gappy hawthorn hedges with oak and ash hedgerow trees linking up with the woods. Some calcareous grassland, interspersed with scrub, can be found on the upper slopes. Woodland is also a key feature, including ancient semi-natural woodland dominated by oak-ash and beech.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 76/M
This valley, to the north of Reading, supports locally important habitats such as semi-improved grassland, scrub and species-poor hedges with trees. It also has some ancient semi-natural woodland and priority habitats including ancient beech woodland and, on parts of Reading Golf Course, patches of calcareous grassland.
R. Harpsden (CH/11)
Landscape Character
This is a heavily wooded dry valley, dominated by ancient semi-natural beech woodland and mixed plantations containing beech and conifer species. There are also some coniferous plantations and semi-natural woodland with species such as oak, ash and field maple. The woodland encloses small grass fields. There are also remnants of acid grassland and heathland around Rotherfield Peppard. Tall, species-rich hedges, with their densely scattered trees of ash, oak, field maple and holly, add to the overall sense of enclosure. Roadside hedges are species-rich and they include hazel, field maple, holly, spindle and wayfaring tree.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 161/VH
This long wooded valley in the Chilterns, running west from Harpsden, is diverse and supports many priority habitats. Locally important habitats include deciduous woodland, plantations, semi-improved grassland and species-poor hedges with trees. There are many interlocking blocks of ancient semi-natural woodland, ancient beech woodland and species-rich hedges with trees. Near Harpsden there is some calcareous grassland and, on Peppard Common, acid grassland and remnant heath can still be found.
S. Shepherd’s Green (CH/14)
Landscape Character
This landscape is characterised by a patchwork of woodland and farmland. There are large blocks of ancient semi-natural woodland with oak, ash, and cherry interspersed with smaller mixed and coniferous plantations consisting of beech, ash and oak. Woodland and hedges enclose medium-sized grass fields including a few small patches of calcareous grassland. The tall hawthorn hedges,with some field maple and hazel, also have a significant number of ash and oak hedgerow trees. The hedgerow network is in decline, and field hedges tend to be gappy and fragmented in places. Characteristic parkland is associated with Greys Court near Shepherd’s Green.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 83/M
This valley, running northwest from Henley, supports a range of locally important habitats including plantations, semi-improved grassland, scrub, and species-poor hedges with trees. There are also several blocks of ancient semi-natural woodland, parkland at Greys Court and patches of calcareous grassland on the slopes.
T. Stonor (CH/17)
Landscape Character
The landscape is characterised by medium-sized arable and grass fields. They are enclosed by species-rich hedges which include hazel, field maple, hawthorn and buckthorn. There are a number of mature hedgerow trees, with species such as oak, ash and holly, but they are fewer in areas dominated by arable farming. There is little woodland in this area, although part of Stonor Park is situated at the bottom of the valley. The hedgerow network is generally in decline, with the exception of some roadside hedges.
Biodiversity
Bioscore/bioband: 51/LM
The valley, to the north of Henley, has locally important habitats such as semi-improved grassland and species-poor hedges with trees. It includes a part of Stonor Park with its mature trees. There are also species-rich hedges with trees.
FORCES FOR CHANGE
• Although the landscape structure is generally strong, the hedgerow network is in decline in some areas, particularly to the north. This has resulted in gappy hedges which, in places, have been replaced by fences. In the Chilterns, around Shepherd’s Green and the Stonor valley, the hedgerow pattern is more fragmented.
• Overall, the impact from new residential development is low, with the slight exception of villages such as Horley and Drayton. In other villages, including Middle Barton and Middle Assendon, recent development is more in keeping with the village character and pattern.
• At the northern fringe of Banbury there is a strong visual impact from industrial development. The M40 corridor has a strong impact on the tranquil, pastoral landscape of the valley.
Landscape strategy
Conserve the characteristic mosaic of woodland and grassland along the valley sides and bottoms, as well as the unspoilt vernacular character of the villages.
Guidelines
• Promote the sustainable management of existing deciduous woodland to safeguard its long-term survival.
• Strengthen the field pattern by planting up gappy hedges using locally characteristic species such as hawthorn, field maple and hazel, and hedgerow trees such as oak and ash.
• Promote environmentally-sensitive maintenance of hedgerows, including coppicing and layering when necessary, to maintain a height and width appropriate to the landscape type.
• Protect stone walls from deterioration.
• Enhance and strengthen the character of tree-lined watercourses and valley bottoms by planting willows, ash, alder and, where appropriate, pollarding willows.
• Conserve the surviving areas of permanent pasture and promote arable reversion to grassland particularly on land adjacent to watercourses.
• Safeguard, maintain and enhance and the characteristic landscape features of existing parklands including veteran trees, avenues of trees, lakes, woods and walls.
• Minimise the visual impact of intrusive land uses at the fringes of towns and villages with the judicious planting of tree and shrub species characteristic of the area. This will help to screen any development and integrate it more successfully with its surrounding countryside.
• Promote the use of building materials and a scale of development and that is appropriate to this landscape type. This ranges from ironstone and slate in the Northamptonshire Uplands, the limestone and stone tiles of the Cotswolds, through to brick and flint, red and blue bricks and clay tiles in the Chilterns.
Biodiversity Strategy
Ensure that all surviving priority habitats are safeguarded, in favourable condition and management, and enhanced to satisfy the actions and targets identified within the relevant habitat and species action plans. Safeguard, maintain and enhance all locally important habitats in a way that is appropriate to the landscape character of the area.
Guidelines
• Parts of the landscape type, particularly within the Chilterns and Glyme Valley in the Cotswolds, support a wide range of priority habitats and the emphasis should be on conserving and, where appropriate, extending this resource. Many habitats have a statutory or non-statutory wildlife designation and the priority must be to ensure that all these sites are in favourable condition and management through agreement with the landowners.
• Within the Glyme Valley, priority habitats include calcareous grassland on the slopes and neutral/marshy grassland along the valley bottoms. Opportunities for extending and linking this resource should also be promoted by appropriate targeting of agri-environment schemes.
• There is only a limited amount of acid grassland and heath within the landscape type, and the priority is to ensure that it remains in suitable condition and management. Opportunities for extending this resource are limited.
• Similarly, there is a limited amount of fen within the landscape type, and it has been designated as an S.S.S.I. The priority must be to ensure that the sites are in favourable condition and management through formal agreement between the landowner and English Nature. Opportunities for successfully expanding this habitat type throughout the landscape type are limited.
• There is a significant amount of ancient semi-natural woodland, within both the Chilterns and Cotswolds, and the priority must be to ensure that all sites are in favourable condition and management.
• Species-rich hedgerows with trees are distributed throughout different parts of the landscape type. Priority should be given to safeguarding, maintaining and expanding this resource, particularly in those local character areas where they remain a significant feature, using species such as field maple, hazel, spindle, oak and ash.
• Tree-lined watercourses, wet woodlands and wooded valleys are a feature throughout much of the landscape type. They should be safeguarded and enhanced by planting species such as ash, alder and willows, with the latter being pollarded whenever appropriate.
• Parklands, and their associated habitats of woodlands, trees, lakes and grassland, make a significant contribution to the biodiversity resource of the landscape type. Parklands, such as Blenheim, support veteran trees and a priority must be to ensure that there is a sustainable, long-term programme for safeguarding and perpetuating this resource.
Key Recommendations
• Safeguard and enhance the characteristic mosaic of woodland, parklands, hedgerows and grassland along the valley sides and bottoms.
• Ensure that all priority habitats are in favourable condition and management, and opportunities for extending and linking this resource, should also be promoted by appropriate targeting of agri-environment schemes.