Little Doward Woods - Wyastone Leys, nr Whitchurch

Site Description

Part of the nationally important complex of Wye Valley woodlands, Little Doward is a prominent local landscape feature of immense character. The site’s diverse geology and historical management, have led to a wide range of woodland and habitat types, some possibly unique to Little Doward. A significant area of the site is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (and is included in the candidate Special Area of Conservation).

The site’s rich history is reinforced by the presence of a large Bronze Age Hill Fort (a Scheduled Ancient Monument) crowning the wood and providing spectacular views across the Wye Valley. Additionally, there are a number of other features of archaeological interest of national, regional and local significance. The rich geological interest of the site is reflected in the presence of four Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS).

The flanks of the hill support areas of ancient woodland, much of which retains its semi-natural character. Historical management as pasture woodland, first as common land and later partly as a deer park, resulted in the development of an open woodland structure on the southern slopes (only recently filled with abundant regeneration) and the retention of many ancient trees which represent a continuity of habitat extending back through centuries. Parts of the woodland have been replanted with conifer blocks and non-native broadleaves and there are also areas of more recent plantings on previously open land, both on the hill top and at the base of the slopes. Areas of calcareous grassland are associated with some of the limestone outcrops on the southern slopes and an area of limestone pavement within the hill fort annex. The site supports a number of notable species of flora and fauna including a Nationally Rare whitebeam. Both Greater and Lesser horseshoe bats are known to roost in the limestone caves present at the site.

Little Doward attracts a large number of visitors and there is an extensive network of rides and paths including the river side Wye Valley Way long distance footpath.

Key features at the site are:

· pasture woodland within the former deer park including significant areas of ancient pasture woodland which retains old growth features including many ancient trees;

· areas of relatively open ash and beech dominated woodland associated with the limestone outcrops on the southern slopes which support a number of notable species such as a Nationally Rare whitebeam and Nationally Scarce fingered sedge;

· other areas of woodland, much of which is ancient and semi-natural;

· notable large old trees which occur mainly within the deer park/hill fort but also scattered elsewhere at the site;

· areas of calcareous grassland associated with the limestone outcrops and limestone pavement and which support a number of notable vascular plant species;

· the hill fort which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and which also includes a number of other features of significant archaeological interest such as barrows and wells;

· the area of limestone pavement and several other features which are of particular geological interest;

· a number of caves which are of archaeological interest and also roosts for greater and lesser horseshoe bats;

· informal public access;

· the importance of the site in the landscape.