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  • 21 Aug, 2019

  • By, Wikipedia

Juniper Hill, Edgeworth

Juniper Hill, Edgeworth (SO928058 and SO928064) is an 11.25-hectare (27.8-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Gloucestershire, notified in 1974. The site is listed in the 'Cotswold District' Local Plan 2001-2011 (on line) as a Key Wildlife Site (KWS).

Location

The site lies in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is in two sections. It is one of a small number of sites on Jurassic limestone which has Juniper as its dominant species.

Flora

The Juniper on the site is recorded as being of a great age, with specimens which are over 100 years old.

Ungrazed calcareous grassland makes up the northern section of the site, which consists mainly of Upright Brome, Tor-grass, Common Rock Rose and Old Man's Beard. Larger trees such as Oak and Ash are regenerating in this area. There is an adjacent Larch plantation which is supporting Juniper.

Grazed grassland makes up the southern section under the Juniper, and this is made up of a greater amount of fescues and herbs typical of the unimproved limestone grassland of the Cotswolds.

Conservation

Many of the Juniper plants are dying and management is underway to attempt regeneration.

References

SSSI Source