| Juniper Hill, Edgeworth | |
| Aos: | Gloucestershire |
| Interest: | Biological |
| Gridref: | and |
| Coordinates: | 51.7513°N -2.105°W |
| Area: | 11.25 hectare |
| Notifydate: | 1974 |
| Enref: | 1001694 |
Juniper Hill, Edgeworth (and) is an 11.25ha biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Gloucestershire, notified in 1974.[1] [2] [3] The site is listed in the 'Cotswold District' Local Plan 2001-2011 (on line) as a Key Wildlife Site (KWS).[4]
The site lies in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is in two sections. It is one of a small number of sites on Jurassic limestone which has Juniper as its dominant species.[1]
The Juniper on the site is recorded as being of a great age, with specimens which are over 100 years old.[1]
Ungrazed calcareous grassland makes up the northern section of the site, which consists mainly of Upright Brome, Tor-grass, Common Rock Rose and Old Man's Beard. Larger trees such as Oak and Ash are regenerating in this area. There is an adjacent Larch plantation which is supporting Juniper.[1]
Grazed grassland makes up the southern section under the Juniper, and this is made up of a greater amount of fescues and herbs typical of the unimproved limestone grassland of the Cotswolds.
Many of the Juniper plants are dying and management is underway to attempt regeneration.[1] [5]