Cleeve Common, Protected grassland area in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Cleeve Common is a protected grassland spanning over 400 hectares of limestone, characterized by steep slopes, rolling hilltops, and deep valleys such as Padcombe Bottom. The terrain displays varied topography with open grazing areas and natural landforms that shape its visual appearance.
The site was originally woodland that was cleared about 6000 years ago to create grazing land. The Cleeve Common Trust was established by an Act of Parliament in 1890 and has managed the private land ever since.
The grassland is actively grazed by local farmers who bring their sheep and cattle to feed during the warmer months. This traditional farming practice shapes the character of the landscape and maintains its open appearance.
Dogs must be kept on short leads between March and July, while cyclists are restricted to designated bridleways. These seasonal rules and usage restrictions help balance the needs of wildlife protection with public access.
This limestone grassland represents a rare habitat type that once covered much of the Cotswolds but now survives only in scattered fragments across the region. The protected status of this site makes it a crucial refuge for plants and animals found nowhere else in the area.
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