Scrub is a transitional habitat between grassland and woodland, characterised by high density of shrub species such as hawthorn, and elder.  It is frequently associated with calcareous grassland and can contribute to local biodiversity by providing shelter for invertebrates and scrub edge conditions suitable for species such as bloody cranesbill. In order to retain its biodiversity scrub needs to be managed to prevent its reversion to woodland. 

The Bushes SSSI

The Bushes is an area of species-rich calcareous pasture mixed with an abundance of hawthorn, elder and bramble.  It has been designated SSSI and is included in the Bredon Hill Special Area of Conservation (SAC).  Its flowering shrubs are a valuable source of nectar for invertebrates, while the dense cover they provides is excellent habitat for nesting warblers and thrushes.  During the autumn large numbers of migrant birds such as blackcap and whitethroat are attracted to the elder and hawthorn fruit. The bushes are grazed by sheep and cattle during the summer, and scrub clearance takes place periodically to reverse woodland encroachment.