Grid reference SO987187 Area of search Gloucestershire | Interest Biological Notification 1986 | |
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Lineover Wood (grid reference SO987187) is a 20.3-hectare (50-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Gloucestershire, notified in 1986.
Contents
Map of Lineover Wood, Cheltenham, UK
The site is owned and managed by the Woodland Trust, and is near the communities of Charlton Kings, Cheltenham and Dowdeswell. The Cotswold Way National Trail runs through the site, crossing the A40 from the opposite side of the valley where it runs along the edge of Dowdeswell Woods and below the dam of Dowdeswell Reservoir.
The site is listed in the 'Cotswold District' Local Plan 2001-2011 (on line) as a Key Wildlife Site (KWS).
Location
The site is in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is on the north-facing slope of the scarp and is steep. It overlies limestone of the Inferior Oolite and clays and sands of the Upper Lias layer. The designated site is part of a larger woodland area which has been replanted with conifers and broad-leaved species. There are seepage areas and a spring in the north of the site.
Woodland
The wood is considered to be a fine example of the ancient semi-natural coppice woodland which was common in the Cotswolds. Species include ash, pedunculate oak, whitebeam, small-leaved lime and large-leaved lime (nationally rare). The understorey is hazel, field maple, hawthorn and there are lime-loving shrubs in particular areas.
Flora
The steep slopes support bramble and dog's mercury. At the base of the slope meadow saffron and herb paris may be found, for example. There are recorded rare plants which include angular Solomon's seal and lily-of-the-valley.
Fauna
The site is known for beetles including uncommon species. There are a wide variety of butterflies and moths recorded including the pearl-bordered fritillary.