High Barn, Oxcombe

Also within

Lincolnshire County Lincolnshire Wolds Scenic Area

Condition (Natural England)

Geology & landscape

Rock Type: Chalk

Description

Area,8.2 hectares 20.3 ac Description The unimproved chalk grassland covering the slopes of this dry valley is one of the best remaining examples of a species rich chalkland community once widespread over the Lincolnshire Wolds. The steepness of the valley sides has precluded the cultivation to which the surrounding area has been subject. The continuation of grazing at High Barn has perpetuated the site's botanical interest. The differing aspects and lengths of turf of the three slopes introduce considerable variation to the overall local dominance of upright brome Bromus erectus, tor grass Brachypodium pinnatum, sheeps fescue Festuca ovina, quaking grass Briza media and meadow oat grass Avenula pratensis. The south west facing slope has an abundance of wild thyme Thymus praecox, basil thyme Acinos arvensis, stemless thistle Cirsium acaule, pyramidal orchid Anacamptis pyramidalis and common spotted orchid Dactylorhiza fuchsii. Amongst the typical chalk grassland plants frequent over the whole site are greater knapweed Centaurea scabiosa, burnet saxifrage Pimpinella saxifraga, harebell Campanula rotundifolia, salad burnet Poterium sanguisorba and autumn gentian Gentianella amarella. The site is also notable for its abundance of butterflies.

Species mentioned