| Condition assessment comment: |
The site is notified for its limestone (CG3-5) grassland and geological features. The last assessment in 2009 was favourable with some concern with regards sward height and scrub levels on the lower south-eastern slopes. This year’s assessment was similar with positive indicators (9 Frequent, 5 Occasional and 1 Rare), scrub (<5%), grass litter (<10%), herb to grass ratio (55%), sward height (9.6 cm) and bare ground (5%) all favourable.
The site is also important for vascular plants and invertebrates although these are not qualifying features. However, the south-western slope should be a shorter sward (for plants such as musk and frog orchids) and the northern area longer with more scrub (as habitat for Duke of Burgundy butterfly). These areas are broadly suitable although the sward is generally longer, probably due to the very wet summer. This is of particular concern on the lower south-eastern slopes where scrub is also frequent in places.
The unit is considered to be favourable, although there are concerns about the sward height and scrub in places as mentioned above.
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