Nature reserve

view of Cheltenham town from Leckhampton Hill

Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common lie within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The main aspect of the hill is clearly visible from many parts of Cheltenham . The hill has, therefore, become a cherished landscape feature and recreational area for many of the town's residents and visitors.

Location

Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common lie to the south and south east of Cheltenham. Parking is available at Daisybank Road off Leckhampton Road and at Hartley Lane near the hill top. View the location on Google maps.

Site

Areas on Leckhampton Hill have been designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the biological interest of the unimproved calcareous grassland and for its geological exposures. Historical features on the hill include an Iron Age hillfort and long barrow. Old tramways criss-cross the hill from the days of limestone quarrying and the remains of kilns and quarries are still very much in evidence.

Wildlife

The hill supports a wealth of wildlife including small mammals - foxes, stoats, badgers and rabbits - and reptiles. Butterfly species include the Duke of Burgundy, Dark Green Fritillary, and Pearl Bordered Fritillary and there is extensive birdlife - buzzards and kestrels are regularly seen and a pair of red kites was reported in the summer of 2004 by a local paraglider. The hill is also home to a great array of wild flowers including many varieties of orchid - among others, the Early Purple, Common Spotted, Musk, Butterfly, Fly and Bee orchids.

We would like to gather more information about the wildlife that visits our parks and open spaces and we are linked up with the Gloucestershire Environmental Records Centre. If you would like to record any sighting of wildlife which you have seen during your visit please visit the link above.

Communication protocol for Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common - 2025

Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC), in collaboration with the Friends of Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common (FOLK), has undertaken a review of the existing communication protocol to improve how information is shared with users of the site.

This updated protocol - developed jointly by both organisations - aims to ensure that all stakeholders are kept informed about specific projects and activities taking place on Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common. The protocol below outlines the agreed approach and is designed to cover a wide range of scenarios.

Moving forward, this protocol will be applied to all future works as outlined below.

The communication protocol

Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common is owned and managed by Cheltenham Borough Council. The site is designated as a Site of Scientific and Special Interest and works are needed to maintain the equilibrium of biodiversity and Nature conservation with public use, accessibility and recreational use.

The new protocol is needed to keep FOLK (Friends of Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common) and the public informed of one-off projects that take place on the site from time to time that might have a high visual impact, particularly on areas of high footfall which goes beyond what is currently considered routine site maintenance.

What it applies to:

  • Substantial tree work, that may include removal such as ash dieback or of non-native invasive species.
  • New cattle fencing and walling
  • Projects targeted at preserving rare species of plants and animals
  • Refurbishment of path surfaces
  • Work to preserve geological and archaeological features
  • Veternisation of selected mature trees

What it does not apply to:

  • Routine site maintenance tasks carried out annually to preserve the important features of the Site of Scientific Interest and peripheral layback fields (FOLK and Cotswold wardens)
  • Manegement of gorse and scrub
  • Grass management
  • Cattle movement
  • Management of vegetation around archaeological and geological features

How will it work:

  • Project is identified internally or through external body
  • Project outline brought to FOLK executive committee for discussion/site visit
  • Project refined following feedback
  • Projects involving on site contractors would need to be circulated before the funds were available and the spec is finalized. In this instance minimum of 6 weeks
  • The high priority consultation required when works come under the label of large conservation projects/public access particularly in high footfall areas. Minimum 6 weeks.
  • Project worked up into detailed proposal and specification
  • Funding is sourced
  • Project publicised on CBC website/Facebook page
  • FOLK Facebook link and official comment
  • Project proposal displayed on site with explanation and plans. May need QR code back to CBC website for detail.
  • Signs displayed on site minimum of four weeks
  • Comments considered, project reassessed/amended if required
  • Work commences
  • Work completed and posted on CBC and FOLK website/Facebook
  • Based on negative feedback from the public or Folk membership. The project will be reviewed by Cheltenham Borough Council green space and public realm manager and the cabinet member for waste, recycling, parks, gardens and green open space. They will consider the comments and feedback. As judged appropriate the project could be cancelled or if all the permissions have been granted and if the project is seen to be of benefit of the site the project would proceed in its original or amended form.

Conservation work parties

The Friends of Leckhampton Hill and Charlton Kings Common (FOLK) have regular conservation work parties on the third Tuesday, second Thursday and fourth Sunday of every month. These are attended by the council's community rangers, and volunteers carry out varied work on the hill in line with the management plan. Meet at the Daisy Bank Road car park at 9.30am. For more information please visit the FOLK work parties webpage or contact the community rangers.