This BOA covers the north-south ridge west of Marlow, from the Thames Valley at Medmenham up to Moor Common in the north. The BOA connects to the Hambleden and Wormsley Valleys and South Western Commons BOAs.
Area Coverage: 1680 ha
Local wildlife sites: 10
SSSI: 2
BAP Habitat:
Lowland Meadow: 1 ha
Lowland Calcareous Grassland: 4.5 ha
Lowland Beech & Yew Woodland: 122 ha
Lowland Mixed Deciduous Woodland: 14 ha
Joint Character Area: Chilterns
Landscape Types: Wooded Agricultural land
Geology: Chalk with overlying clay with flints on some higher ground and sand and gravels in the lower areas.
Topography: A north – south orientated ridge.
Biodiversity:
Calcareous Grassland – There are several small sites of calcareous grassland including Homefield Wood SSSI, Lodge Farm Bank Field and Munday Dean LWS.
Woodland – The area contains part of the Chiltern Beechwoods SAC at Pullingshill and Hollowhill Woods. It also includes Homefield Wood SSSI and several woodland LWSs such as Munces Wood, Highruse Wood and Hog and Kings Hanging Woods.
Hedgerows – The area around Marlow Bottom contains pre-18th century enclosures and these may be bordered by species rich hedgerows.
Targets:
Lowland Calcareous Grassland – Management, Restoration, Creation
Woodland – Management, Restoration
Hedgerows – Management, Restoration, Creation
Lowland Meadows – Management, Restoration, Creation
Archaeology:
There are 2 SAMs – Medmenham Hill Fort and the fort at Danesfield House.
Places to visit:
There is a network of footpaths throughout.
