Search Natural Areas Foreword Natural Areas & Their Role Natural Area Boundaries Marine Natural Areas Charnwood Introduction Previous Search results Key nature conservation features of National Significance Earth heritage Lowland beech and yew woodland Lowland dry acid grassland Key nature conservation features of Local Significance Acid grassland Lowland heathland Lowland meadows Lowland wood pasture and parkland Rivers and streams Standing open water and canals Wet woodland

39 Charnwood   The upper peaks of the Charnwood Natural Area are formed from Precambrian rocks which are some of the oldest rocks in England and contain internationally important fossils that are the earliest known life recorded in England. Charnwood Forest has a variety of habitats including extensive woodlands, some of which are remnants of medieval parks, and acid grassland and lowland heath on the hills. The heathland is particularly important as a habitat for several rare invertebrates including the Charnwood spider. Hay meadows and pastures rich in wildlife occur in the fertile soils of the valleys and are particularly important for wildflowers, butterflies and moths. The upland nature of Charnwood produces clear, fast-flowing streams that support an abundance of wildlife including nationally rare animals such as the freshwater crayfish and brook lamprey, and the three large reservoirs in the Natural Area and their associated wetland habitats are important sites for breeding and wintering wildfowl.   Natural Area profile available - Size 814.8 kb     Copyright    Privacy    Freedom of information    Directgov