Lineover Wood

Also within

Gloucestershire County Cotswolds Scenic Area Cotswold Way National Trail

Condition (Natural England)

Habitats

Coppiced woodland

Geology & landscape

Rock Type: Limestone

Description

Area, 20.3 ha. 50.2 ac. Description The site forms part of a more extensive wood which has largely been replanted with conifers and broadleaved mixtures. It has been selected as an outstanding example of the ancient semi natural coppice woodland which was once widespread in the Cotswolds. It is situated on a north facing slope of the Cotswold scarp overlying limestones of the Interior Oolite and clays and sands of the Upper Lias. The diverse woodland includes ash Fraxinus excelsior, pedunculate oak Quercus robur, whitebeam Sorbus aria, small leaved lime Tilia cordata and the nationally rare large leaved lime Tilia platyphyllos. The understorey includes hazel Corylus avellana, field maple Acer campestre, hawthorn Crataegus monogyna, and, in localised areas, lime loving calcicole shrubs such as wayfaring tree Viburnum lantana, dogwood Cornus sanguinea and spindle Euonymus europaeus. The ground flora is rich and varied. The steep slopes are dominated by bramble Rubus fruticosus agg. and dog’s mercury Mercurialis perennis, whilst on the damper soils at the base of the slope the plants include meadow saffron Colchicum autumnale, opposite leaved golden saxifrage Chrysosplenium oppositifolium and extensive stands of herb paris Paris quadrifolia. Many rare and uncommon plants are present including angular solomon’s seal Polygonatum odoratum lily of the valley Convallaria majalis and limestone polypody Gymnocarpium robertianum. The fauna contains several uncommon beetles such as the long horn beetle Pogonocherus hispidulus. A wide variety of butterflies and moths including the pearl bordered fritillary Colossiana euphrosyne, have also been recorded. Seepage areas and a base enriched spring in the north of the site add diversity to the wood.

Species mentioned