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Special Areas of Conservation

Downton Gorge

Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Country England
Unitary Authority Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire
Centroid* SO443743
Latitude 52.36333333
Longitude -2.818611111
SAC EU Code UK0012735
Status Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Area (ha) 68.88
* 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 Downton Gorge SAC

General site character

  • Inland water bodies (Standing water, Running water) (14%)
  • Broad-leaved deciduous woodland (85%)
  • Coniferous woodland (1%)

Download the Standard Data Form for this site (PDF <100kb)

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

  • 9180 Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines  * Priority feature

    Downton Gorge is an example of Tilio-Acerion forests in a narrow ravine with a distinctive microclimate and a variety of slopes and aspects. Both small-leaved lime Tilia cordata and large-leaved lime T. platyphyllos occur, together with ash Fraxinus excelsior and elm Ulmus spp. The ground flora includes wood fescue Festuca altissima and violet helleborine Epipactis purpurata. The gorge cliffs are rich in ferns, reflecting the humidity of the site, with a wide range of species recorded.

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

  • Not Applicable

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

  • Not Applicable

Many designated sites are on private land: the listing of a site in these pages does not imply any right of public access.