This area consists of two areas of the Berkshire Downs to the south, west and east of Lambourn, on either side of the Lambourn Valley, extending south to Great Shefford. This area has some steep slopes with areas of chalk grassland and also has a concentration of ancient woodland sites.
Joint Character Area: Berkshire and Marlborough Downs.
Geology: Chalk slopes with clay and flints at top of the slopes
Topography: Mainly north and east facing slopes extending onto some flatter areas along the southern edge.
Biodiversity
Lowland calcareous grassland: Chalk grassland is found on the steeper slopes including White Shute Hill, Westfield Farm Bank and Cleeve Hill which are SSSIs. Remnants are present elsewhere including areas on Coppington Down and Maidencourt Down. Restoration has taken place in the north of the area and in the valley stretching east from Great Shefford.
Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland: Numerous ancient woodland sites are found at the top of slopes, often on the clay-with-flints but extending onto the chalk in places.
Butterflies: chalk grassland butterflies are associated with the chalk grassland sites.
Geodiversity: Includes Fogham Quarry SSSI
Access: The area has many byways, bridleways and footpaths.
Targets and opportunities: Chalk grassland management and re-creation with the steeper slopes providing the best opportunities. Woodland management and possible link planting on clay-with-flints area. The extensive areas of arable land in the east provide potential for farmland management for birds in particular. In the long term the east of this area could be extended northwards where the geology is mainly chalk.
If you would like to get involved with projects in this BOA please contact us for current opportunities.