Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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Location | Northamptonshire |
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Grid reference | SP 588 412 [1] |
Interest | Biological |
Area | 16.6 hectares [1] |
Notification | 1990 [1] |
Location map | Magic Map |
Helmdon Disused Railway is a 16.6-hectare (41-acre) linear biological Site of Special Scientific Interest between Helmdon and Brackley in Northamptonshire. [1] [2]
This site is the former embankment and cutting of the Great Central Railway, which closed in 1966. [3] It is Jurassic grassland, and limestone spoil heaps have a very diverse floral community. Butterflies include the nationally scarce wood white and five nationally declining species. It is the only location in the county for the small blue butterfly. [4]
A public footpath runs along the site. [5]
The route of the HS2 High Speed railway crosses the southern end of the site. [6]