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Special Areas of Conservation

Ebernoe Common

Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Country England
Unitary Authority Surrey, East and West Sussex
Centroid* SU977273
Latitude 51.03666667
Longitude -0.607222222
SAC EU Code UK0012715
Status Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Area (ha) 234.93
* This is the approximate central point of the SAC. In the case of large, linear or composite sites, this may not represent the location where a feature occurs within the SAC.
Location of Ebernoe Common SAC

General site character

  • Broad-leaved deciduous woodland (95%)
  • Mixed woodland (5%)

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Note When undertaking an appropriate assessment of impacts at a site, all features of European importance (both primary and non-primary) need to be considered.

Annex I habitats that are a primary reason for selection of this site

  • 9120 Atlantic acidophilous beech forests with Ilex and sometimes also Taxus in the shrublayer (Quercion robori-petraeae or Ilici-Fagenion)

    Ebernoe Common has an extensive block of beech Fagus sylvatica high forest and former wood-pasture over dense holly Ilex aquifolium, and has a very rich epiphytic lichen flora, including Agonimia octospora and Catillaria atropurpurea. It represents Atlantic acidophilous beech forests in the south-eastern part of the habitat’s UK range. The beech woodland is associated with other woodland types, open glades and pools, which contribute to a high overall diversity. The woods are important for a number of bat species, in particular 1323 Bechstein’s bat Myotis bechsteinii and 1308 barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus.

Annex I habitats present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for selection of this site

  • Not Applicable

Annex II species that are a primary reason for selection of this site

  • 1308 Barbastelle Barbastella barbastellus

    A maternity colony of barbastelles Barbastella barbastellus utilises a range of tree roosts in this area of 91A0 Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles, which has a dense understorey of holly Ilex aquifolium as well as open glades and open water. Maternity roost sites are usually in dead tee stumps, but the species appears to be present throughout the year, with individuals utilising a range of roost sites in tree holes and under bark.

  • 1323 Bechstein's bat Myotis bechsteinii

    A maternity colony of Bechstein’s bat Myotis bechsteinii is associated with this area of 91A0 Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in the British Isles. Roosts are mainly in old woodpecker holes in the stems of live mature oak Quercus petraea trees.

Annex II species present as a qualifying feature, but not a primary reason for site selection

  • Not Applicable

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