Alder Wood and Meadow facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
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| Area of Search | Northamptonshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 13.2 hectares |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Alder Wood and Meadow is a special natural area located south-west of Corby in Northamptonshire, England. It covers about 13.2 hectares, which is roughly the size of 32 football fields! This site is officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its important plants and natural habitats.
Contents
What Makes This Place Special?
Alder Wood and Meadow is protected because it has two very important parts: an ancient woodland and a unique meadow. Both areas are home to plants and features that are rare or important for science.
The Ancient Woodland
The woodland part of Alder Wood and Meadow is very old. It's a small piece of what used to be the huge Royal Forest of Rockingham. This forest was once a hunting ground for kings and queens!
- The main trees you'll find here are ash trees.
- On the ground, in the rich soil, you can see special plants like tufted hair-grass, dog's mercury, and enchanter's nightshade. These plants tell us the soil is healthy and hasn't been disturbed much.
The Special Meadow
Next to the woodland is a meadow that has not been changed by modern farming. This means it's a great example of how meadows used to look a long time ago.
- You can still see old patterns in the field called ridge and furrow. These are bumps and dips in the ground left over from medieval farming methods. It's like looking at history written on the land!
Visiting Alder Wood and Meadow
You can explore this interesting natural area. There is a public footpath that leads into Alder Wood and Meadow from the nearby village of Rushton. It's a great place to see nature and learn about local history.
