The area
The North Wessex Downs Landscape (NWDNL) is a cherished and beautiful area in Britain, covering over 1700 km2 across Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, and Wiltshire. Designated as a special landscape, it provides numerous benefits for both people and wildlife. Within this landscape, lesser-known habitats like acid grassland and heathland play a crucial role.
We assessed these habitats and identified potential sites for re-creation.
Our findings
- Species Diversity:
- we identified 24 plant species and 228 invertebrate species associated with heathland.
- These findings highlight the ecological importance of heathland habitats.
- Heathland Area:
- Within the NWDNL, 65 hectares of heathland were identified.
- An additional 420 hectares were found within a 5km buffer zone.
- Acid Grassland:
- we also assessed acid grassland, identifying 376 hectares within the NWDNL.
- An additional 403 hectares were found within the buffer zone.
- Restoration Potential:
- 90 hectares within the NWDNL and 640 hectares in the buffer zone with high potential for heathland restoration.
These key locations will guide ground-truthing surveys and inform future restoration projects.
