Kingscote and Horsley Woods

Also within

Gloucestershire County Cotswolds Scenic Area

Condition (Natural England)

Geology & landscape

Geological Period: Jurassic · Rock Type: Limestone

Description

Description The site represents a good example of an ancient beech dominated woodland complex typical of the Jurassic limestone of the western part of the Cotswolds. Horsley, Kingscote and Sandgrove woods are all similar, being dominated by beech Fagus sylvatica of various ages, with some ash Fraxinus excelsior and with oak Quercus robur in Sandgrove. The understorey consists largely of hazel Corylus avellana and hawthorn Crataegus monogyna with beech, ash and wych elm Ulmus glabra regrowth. The ground flora contains abundant bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta, dog's mercury Mercurialis perennis, anemone Anemone nemorosa and some dense patches of ramsons Allium ursinum. Fishponds Wood has recently been clear felled but is regenerating well with a variety of tree and shrub species including ash and elm Ulmus procera. Small teasel Dipsacus pilosus is frequent in this part of the site and a pond adds diversity and interest to the area.

Species mentioned