EXPLORE AND UNDERSTAND
Kingfisher photo by kind permission of Denis Greenough - link to website
In Freshford and Limpley Stoke we have a wealth of heritage to explore and understand. Within our local environment there are a range of species and habitats, many of which are of special significance to the UK and these constitute our natural heritage. We also have evidenced within the landscape the telltale signs of human rural, industrial and cultural history left by the people that have lived, these comprise our community heritage.
Farming produces our food and ensures that the land is managed. In our valleys farming is particularly challenging due to small fields, difficult access for machinery along narrow roads, flooding, and some steep slopes. Farming is a 7 day a week job because animals need care. Please then pay due consideration when walking on public footpaths.
WARNING A person has recently been killed in this area due to cows charging him because they were trying to protect their young from his dog. Always follow the Countryside Code
Farming produces our food and ensures that the land is managed. In our valleys farming is particularly challenging due to small fields, difficult access for machinery along narrow roads, flooding, and some steep slopes. Farming is a 7 day a week job because animals need care. Please then pay due consideration when walking on public footpaths.
WARNING A person has recently been killed in this area due to cows charging him because they were trying to protect their young from his dog. Always follow the Countryside Code
Our Natural Heritage
There are five main habitats identified within the landscape of Freshford and Limpley Stoke and surrrounding area. We have for example a number of ancient woodlands, three of which are designated as being Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). To explore and understand more about our local habitats please visit our local wildlife habitats page.
There is much variety of life when it comes to the animals, plants, fungi and other living things we share our local landscape with. This biodiversity includes eleven endangered species that you have the privelege to see here. To learn more about our non-human neighbours please visit our local wildlife species page.
Once you have familiarised yourself with some of the key features of our landscape and species therin you may wish to add to a peaceful walk by making simple recordings of what you see. These can contribute to national records. Our ACTIVITIES FOR ALL section has guidance on this and a number of other ideas that may be of interest.
There is much variety of life when it comes to the animals, plants, fungi and other living things we share our local landscape with. This biodiversity includes eleven endangered species that you have the privelege to see here. To learn more about our non-human neighbours please visit our local wildlife species page.
Once you have familiarised yourself with some of the key features of our landscape and species therin you may wish to add to a peaceful walk by making simple recordings of what you see. These can contribute to national records. Our ACTIVITIES FOR ALL section has guidance on this and a number of other ideas that may be of interest.
Our Community Heritage
Our community heritage is tied to our natural heritage in many ways and in truth both have heavily influenced each other. Nearly every habitat in the UK has been influenced by human hands. On our community heritage page you will discover how the landscape of Freshford and Limpley Stoke has evolved with changing agricultural, industrial and cultural practices.