Protected Areas around Little Wittenham
Protected Areas Around Little Wittenham
Summary of protected areas and designated sites within the Wittenhams area:
- Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – The Wittenham Clumps lie within the North Wessex Downs AONB. The principal objective of AONB protection is the conservation of natural beauty. Nature conservation and the provision of recreation are not given explicit reference although “natural beauty” is defined as including a reference to fauna, flora, geology, etc.
- Green Belt – Areas of Green Belt are regions of countryside surrounding built up areas and are designed to prevent the unrestricted growth of urban sprawl. Land to the north of the River Thames near the Wittenham Clumps is part of Oxford's Green Belt.
- Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) – The Lowland mixed deciduous woodland at Wittenham Clumps is an SSSI site. SSSI are the finest sites for wildlife and natural features in England, supporting many characteristic, rare and endangered species, habitats and natural features.
- Special Area of Conservation (SAC) – SAC is a European designation designed to give increased protection to a variety of wild animals, plants and habitats. The Wittenham Clumps is a SAC.
- Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) nature reserves – There is one BBOWT nature reserve near to the Wittenham Clumps, which is Cholsey Marsh near Wallingford.
| Find out more ... AONB Campaign to Protect Rural England: English Nature: SSSIs English Nature: SACs Joint Nature Conservation Committee: List of UK SACs. |
