Natural England - South Wessex Downs ESA
South Wessex Downs ESA
The Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) scheme has now closed to new applicants and has been superseded by the Environmental Stewardship scheme. Some existing agreements will, however, continue until 2014.
The South Wessex Downs ESA comprises two separate areas of land totaling 50, 714 ha situated on the scarp and dip slopes of a broad band of chalk extending north-eastwards through Dorset into Wiltshire. The larger southern area extends from south west of Salisbury, across Cranborne Chase and continues south of the Blackmore Vale to just north of Dorchester. The northern area comprises the chalk ridge running west of Salisbury to Mere between the Nadder and Wylye valleys, south of Salisbury Plain.
Description
The South Wessex Downs ESA is of great environmental value. The indented sweeping scarp slopes, cultivated rolling dip slopes and sheltered stream valleys combine to produce a landscape of great quality. The ESA contains a large proportion of the remaining semi-natural chalk grassland of the British Isles. This landscape is also enriched by the presence of a diverse range of features of historical and archaeological importance ranging from single earthworks to complex sites, suggesting occupation during different periods since prehistory. Current farming in the area is predominately large scale, comprising dairy, arable and mixed farm units with, in addition, several with large sheep flocks.
Significant habitats and species
The ESA is noted for its surviving areas of internationally important species-rich chalk grassland habitats which contain a number of rare plant species and support many populations of butterflies and birds, some of which are rare and declining. The great environmental value of this area is recognised by numerous statutory designations, including four National Nature Reserves, 36 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and five Special Areas of Conservation.
ESA management options
There were four main management options available within the South Wessex Downs ESA:
Maintain and enhance the traditional landscape character through the maintenance of field boundaries, weatherproof traditional farm buildings and the control of fencing. Features of historical interest must not be damaged, destroyed or removed. It also has additional prescriptions relating to the management of permanent grassland and downland.
Increase the nature conservation value of land by reversion of arable land and ley grassland to downland and permanent grassland, introduction of conservation headlands at the edge of arable fields, stringent conditions on the management of permanent grassland.
Contact
Wiltshire: Natural England’s Devizes office
Dorset: Natural England’s Dorchester office
