Wildlife and biodiversity
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity encompasses the whole variety of life on Earth – all species of plants and animals, the genetic variation between them and the habitats within which they live. It is not restricted to rare or threatened species but includes the whole of the natural world from the commonplace to the critically endangered.
The Biodiversity of Cotswold District
Cotswold District falls into two different natural areas (as defined by English Nature http://www.english-nature.org.uk/)
The Cotswolds Natural Area overlies a band of limestone stretching from Somerset to Warwickshire and this underlying rock has a great influence on the landscape and biodiversity of the area, for example there are very important areas of unimproved limestone grassland, which is rich in invertebrates and attractive flora. There are also significant areas of ancient woodland. Woodland cover is relatively continuous on the scarp where internationally important stands of beechwood are to be found and in some parts of the plateau where there are woodland estates, such as Cirencester Park. The Cotswold hills are intersected by a series of river and stream valleys, which add another element to the diversity of habitats across the area.
The Thames and Avon Vales Natural Area includes the south-east of Cotswold District. It is a low-lying agricultural landscape of hedgerows, fields and flood meadows. One of the most important parts of the area for biodiversity is the Cotswold Water Park, a series of lakes created by sand and gravel extraction.
For more information about Nature Conservation in Cotswold District, a guide is available by post from the Countryside and Landscape section (see contact at the bottom of the page).
CONTACTS
Heritage
Cotswold District Council, Trinity Road, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1PX
Telephone: 01285 623 000