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Special Areas of Conservation

Little Wittenham

Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Country England
Unitary Authority Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Centroid* SU572929
Latitude 51.63138889
Longitude -1.173333333
SAC EU Code UK0030184
Status Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Area (ha) 68.65
* 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 Little Wittenham SAC

General site character

  • Inland water bodies (Standing water, Running water) (1%)
  • Improved grassland (22%)
  • Mixed woodland (77%)

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

  • Not Applicable

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

  • 1166 Great crested newt Triturus cristatus

    One of the best-studied great crested newt sites in the UK, Little Wittenham comprises two main ponds set in a predominantly woodland context (broad-leaved and conifer woodland is present). There are also areas of grassland, with sheep grazing and arable bordering the woodland to the south and west. The River Thames is just to the north of the site, and a hill fort to the south. Large numbers of great crested newts Triturus cristatus have been recorded in the two main ponds, and research has revealed that they range several hundred metres into the woodland blocks.

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.