Old Copse, Beenham Explained

Old Copse, Beenham
Aos:	Berkshire
Interest:	Biological
Coordinates:	51.412°N -1.156°W
Area:	8ha
Notifydate:	1984
Map:	Magic Map

Old Copse, Beenham is an 8abbr=offNaNabbr=off biological Site of Special Scientific Interest south of Beenham in Berkshire.^{[1] [2]} The site is private land with no public access.

Geography

The coppice woodland is on London Clay situated on the north side of the Kennet valley. The site is on gently sloping ground, with damp to poorly-drained wet clay soils. A few small streams with associated wet flushes arise in the wood.

History

The copse is classed as ancient woodland having been there for at least from 1600 and still retains tree and shrub cover which has not obviously been planted.^[3]

In 1984 the site was registered as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.^[4]

Flora

The site has the following Flora:^{[4] [5]}

Trees

• Oak
• Hazel
• Ash
• Ulmus glabra
• Alder
• Prunus avium
• Maple
• Birch
• Salix caprea
• Ilex aquifolium
• Viburnum opulus
• Sambucus nigra
• Cornus sanguinea

Plants

• Narcissus pseudonarcissus
• Carex strigosa
• Hylotelephium telephium
• Hyacinthoides non-scripta
• Anemone nemorosa
• Mercurialis perennis
• Primula vulgaris
• Equisetum telmateia
• Chrysosplenium oppositifolium
• Ranunculus flammula

Notes and References

1. Web site: Designated Sites View: Old Copse, Beenham . Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. 19 November 2019.
2. Web site: Map of Old Copse, Beenham. Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. 19 November 2019.
3. Web site: Beenham online Beenham Village Design Statement . Beenhamonline.org . 2017-02-12.
4. Web site: Old Copse, Beenham citation. Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. 19 November 2019.
5. Web site: BEENHAM Footpaths, Bridleways and Byways . West Berks Council. 2017-02-12.