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Special Areas of Conservation

Holnest

Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Country England
Unitary Authority Dorset and Somerset
Centroid* ST667106
Latitude 50.89444444
Longitude -2.474722222
SAC EU Code UK0030350
Status Designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Area (ha) 54.8
* 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 Holnest SAC

General site character

  • Inland water bodies (Standing water, Running water) (3%)
  • Humid grassland, Mesophile grassland (52%)
  • Improved grassland (20%)
  • Broad-leaved deciduous woodland (23%)
  • Other land (including Towns, Villages, Roads, Waste places, Mines, Industrial sites) (2%)

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

    Holnest encompasses around 20 ponds set in a matrix of terrestrial habitats, comprising areas of semi-improved grassland, scrub, associated semi-natural habitats and woodland bounded by fences and hedgerows. The ponds exhibit a range of sizes, profiles and origins, and include some recently-created ornamental ponds as well as traditional farm ponds. A large population of S1166 Great crested newts Triturus cristatus is present, with over 200 individuals having been recorded at one pond in spring 2003. The woodland areas provide ideal hibernation habitat.

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.