Rodborough Common, Gloucestershire facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Rodborough Common - flowering sward including early purple orchid (orchis mascula)
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| Area of Search | Gloucestershire |
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| Coordinates | 51°43′50″N 2°12′59″W / 51.730465°N 2.216418°W |
| Interest | Biological/Geological |
| Area | 116.0 hectare |
| Notification | 1954 |
Rodborough Common is a special natural area in Gloucestershire, England. It covers about 116 hectares, which is like 287 football fields! This common was first recognized as important in 1954. It is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its amazing plants, animals, and rocks.
This common is also a "Regionally Important Geological Site" (RIGS). This means its rocks and landforms are very special. It is also a "Special Area of Conservation" (SAC). This protects important habitats and species across Europe.
Rodborough Common is located south of Stroud. The National Trust owns and manages this beautiful area. It sits on top of the Cotswolds scarp, which is a steep slope. The common is made of Jurassic limestone. It is bordered by the Nailsworth and Frome valleys. The common is a flat area on a hill, with steep sides and dry valleys cutting into its edges.
Rodborough Common is important for both its living things and its geology. The grassland here is natural and full of different herbs. It has not been changed by farming. There is also a key area for finding fossils, which helps scientists learn about the past.
Contents
Geology: Ancient Rocks and Fossils
Near Rodborough Fort, you can find old quarry workings. These are places where rocks were once dug out. These quarries show layers of Inferior Oolite limestone from the Middle Jurassic Period. This time was millions of years ago!
These rock layers are full of fossils. Scientists have found many different types of ancient creatures here. Bivalve molluscs are especially interesting. These are sea creatures with two shells, like clams. Many of these bivalve fossils were first studied and named from specimens found right here at Rodborough Common. This site is very important because it is the only one left in the region with these specific fossils. Studying these rocks helps us understand how the Earth's surface moved long ago.
Biology: Plants and Animals
Rodborough Common is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. It is a great place to see nature up close.
Flora: Amazing Plants
The flat grassland on the common has many types of grasses. These include tor-grass, upright brome, sheep's fescue, and quaking grass. This grass is kept short because animals graze here and people enjoy walking on it.
The slopes of the common have taller grass. This provides a perfect home for many insects. You can find beautiful herbs like chalk milkwort, clustered bellflower, kidney vetch, and autumn gentian.
Several types of orchids grow here, too. Look for the frog orchid, bee orchid, and musk orchid. The very rare pasqueflower also grows on this site.
Around the edges of the common, you will see scattered bushes and small trees. These include hawthorn and bramble. You might also spot juniper bushes. Where there are larger trees, you will mostly find beech and ash trees.
Fauna: Wonderful Wildlife
Many different invertebrates live and thrive on Rodborough Common. These are animals without backbones, like insects.
Butterflies are a common sight here. You might see the Duke of Burgundy butterfly or the marsh fritillary. Many types of bugs, beetles, and moths have also been recorded. A special snail called Abida secale lives on the common.
In 2019, an exciting project began to bring back the Large blue butterfly. This butterfly is endangered, meaning it is at risk of disappearing forever. The project was a success! In the summer of 2020, about 750 Large blue butterflies emerged on the common. This shows how important it is to protect special places like Rodborough Common.
