North Grove - Wallingford

Site Description

North Grove is a mix of ASNW and secondary woodland on the edge of the Chilterns AONB which is recognised as a Natural Area with a high density of ASNW. There is a high proportion of ANSW and AWS close by. This wood is a typical beech wood and a prominent feature in the landscape, easily seen from the main Reading to Oxford road.

The woodland is mature beech high forest with a scattering of ash, oak and cherry. There are some small areas of semi mature ash with hazel under storey and one small area of actively managed coppice hazel. There is good natural regeneration and in places a varied under storey. The gaps in the canopy, partly created by the storms of 1987 and 1990, have been allowed to naturally regenerate or have been planted up with native broadleaved trees. Two service lines cross the site and cutting of vegetation along these lines creates north south glades across the site.

The quality of the ASNW is recognised by its designation as Chiltern Heritage Woodland. The ground flora is species rich with 33 AWVP indicators recorded. Breeding Red Kite and Tawny Owl present in 2000.

The area contains old pits, saw pits and there is an interesting restricted byway beside the northern boundary with well-defined banks on either side.

This woodland has low recreational use, but this enhances its nature conservation character.