Dean Green Team

Wildlife Conservation Group in the

Forest of Dean

Gloucestershire

21 October 2008

This shows the limestone pavement after it had been totally cleared. This small and isolated area of limestone pavement is highly unusual in southern Britain. Within this area, there are two discrete sites totalling 0.82 ha where the carboniferous limestone is abundant on the ground surface in the form of limestone pavement. Over the remainder, the pavement is sporadic or limestone may be present at or near the surface, but not in the form of pavement. The majority of the area is considered to be an ancient woodland site with a small amount of ancient semi-natural woodland since much of the area is now covered with conifers.

East Wood Limestone Pavement FC/GWT Reserve

Grid Ref SO563001

A return visit to East Wood after about 3 years and the area was totally smothered by bramble and small trees. We got a good bonfire burning to destroy the bramble and shrub cuttings. Limestone pavements are a key habitat for conservation within Europe, and are identified as Priority Habitat in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan.

Within about 1/4 mile of the limestone pavement stands the King Yew

The two sites with intact limestone pavement have been kept clear of woody vegetation in the past, but are now becoming invaded with broadleaf scrub. The thin soils on the site are base rich and support a moderately rich varied flora, and although the site is most unusual in having the structure of the limestone pavement, it is not
considered to have highly significant floral values associated with this.