Asham Wood

Infobox SSSI


name=Asham Wood
aos=Somerset
interest=Biological
gridref=gbmappingsmall|ST705460
area=140.6 hectares (347.5 acres)
notifydate=1963

http://www.natureonthemap.org.uk/map.aspx?
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Asham Wood (gbmapping|ST705460) is a 140.6 hectare (347.5 acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest near Downhead in the Mendip Hills, Somerset, notified in 1963.

Asham Wood is the largest and most diverse of the ancient semi-natural woods in the Mendips. It has been the subject of controversy and attempts to protect the environment from increased quarrying activity in the area.

The wood occupies 2 deep valleys and the intervening plateau. Most of the underlyingrocks are calcareous Carboniferous Limestone and Shales, but Devonian Portishead Bedsoutcrop along the northern valley. There are a range of unusual flora and fauna. [cite web | title=Asham Woods | work=English Nature | url=http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1003657.pdf | accessdate=2006-07-17]

At Asham Wood near Frome coppicing and 50 dormouse boxes have been introduced in order to encourage nesting. The boxes are monitored and dormice numbers are recorded. [cite web | title=Somerset : Asham Wood and Batts Combe quarry - Protecting dormice | work=Hanson | url=http://www.hanson.co.uk/Responsibility/environment/biodiversity/casestudySomerset.html | accessdate=2006-07-17]

References

External links

* [http://www.searchnbn.net/siteInfo/siteSpeciesGroups.jsp?allDs=1&engOrd=false&useIntersects=1&maxRes=1&siteKey=37752 Species List for Asham Woods]