Kennet Valley Alderwoods
| Country | England |
| Unitary Authority | Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire |
| Centroid* | SU398675 |
| Latitude | 51.40444444 |
| Longitude | -1.4275 |
| SAC EU Code | UK0030175 |
| Status | Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) |
| Area (ha) | 57.73 |
| * 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. | |
General site character
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Broad-leaved deciduous woodland (100%)
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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
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91E0 Alluvial forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (Alno-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae) * Priority feature
These, the largest fragments of alder-ash woodland on the Kennet floodplain, lie on alluvium overlain by a shallow layer of moderately calcareous peat. The wettest areas are dominated by alder Alnus glutinosa over tall herbs, sedges and reeds, but dryer patches include a base-rich woodland flora with much dog’s mercury Mercurialis perennis and also herb-Paris Paris quadrifolia. The occurrence of the latter is unusual, as it is more typically associated with ancient woodland, whereas the evidence suggests that these stands have largely developed over the past century.
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
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