This County Wildlife Site forms part of a narrow ridge of low hills to the south of the River Wensum Valley. A flat-topped ridge drops steeply away to the north, indented with narrow gullies. Historically open and probably grazed, these hills are now almost entirely semi-natural, predominantly oak-birch woodland.
The land here throws up evidence of a significant history of human use, from pre-historic flint mining to military activity.
The majority of the site is maturing oak and silver birch woodland, but you can also find beech, sycamore, sweet chestnut and ash in the woodland canopy. Further species occupy the understory, with rowan, holly, hazel, blackthorn and hawthorn all making an appearance.
Amongst the bracken and brambly ground layer, look out for the entwining and fragrant honeysuckle during the summer months, along with patches of wild raspberry on the slopes. Woodland herbs to discover in the ground flora include climbing corydalis, herb Robert, wood avens, wood sage, wood-sorrel, hedge woundwort, enchanter’s nightshade, greater stitchwort, foxglove and red campion.
The highest, central part of the site is managed as a small area of acid grassland, where characteristic lower pH loving plants such as sheep’s sorrel, wavy hair-grass and sheep’s fescue can be seen nestling within the general sward of more common grasses and wildflowers such as common mouse-ear, white clover, common cat’s-ear and gorse.
Habitats
Mixed broadleaved woodland, acid grassland
Best time to visit
Woodlands are an interesting habitat all year round, but the best time of year to see the flowering ground is spring and summer.
Associated groups
Ringland Parish Council -
http://ringlandparishcouncil.com/
Getting involved
Please contact Ringland Parish Council