Cotswold LPA BNG

Cotswold’s landscape supports a rich mosaic of habitats critical to the area’s biodiversity and BNG targets.

​

Grassland Habitats

​

Calcareous (Limestone) Grassland: A priority habitat on the Cotswold escarpment; supports specialist orchids, butterflies, and other invertebrates.

​

Neutral and Species-Rich Grassland: Found in meadows and pastures throughout the district; important for pollinators and ground-nesting birds.

​

Modified Grassland: Common in farmland and urban greenspaces; enhancement potential through wildflower seeding and management.

​

Woodland and Scrub Habitats

​

Ancient and Semi-Natural Woodland: Scattered across the district; supports diverse flora and fauna, including protected bats and woodland birds.

​

Hedgerows and Devon Banks: Characteristic of the traditional Cotswold landscape, these linear habitats are vital wildlife corridors.

​

Scrub: Often transitional habitat between grassland and woodland, important for nesting birds and invertebrates.

​

Wetland and Watercourse Habitats

​

Rivers and Streams: Including the Thames tributaries and Windrush; key habitats for aquatic species, otters, and kingfishers.

​

Ponds and Reedbeds: Provide habitat for amphibians and wetland birds.

​

Floodplain Grazing Marsh: Present along low-lying river valleys, contributing to flood mitigation and biodiversity.

​

Cropland and Farmland Habitats

​

Arable Land: Widespread but can be enhanced with wild bird seed mixes, beetle banks, and buffer strips.