Aller and Beer Woods facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Somerset |
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| Coordinates | 51°04′15″N 2°51′07″W / 51.07072°N 2.85202°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 140.6 acres (0.569 km2; 0.2197 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1952 |
Aller and Beer Woods is a very special natural area in Somerset, England. It covers about 57 hectares (140 acres). This place is called a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It was officially recognized as an SSSI in 1952.
An SSSI is a protected area. It means the land has important plants, animals, or geology. These sites are important for nature and science. Aller and Beer Woods is special because of its ancient trees and rare plants.
Contents
Discovering Aller and Beer Woods
Aller and Beer Woods is a nature reserve. It is managed by the Somerset Wildlife Trust. The reserve is located about 3.5 kilometers (2 miles) northwest of Langport. It is also about 11 kilometers (7 miles) southeast of Bridgwater.
This special woodland sits on the side of Aller Hill. It looks out over a flat area called King's Sedgemoor. The ground here is mostly made of Lias limestone. This type of rock helps certain plants grow well.
What Makes This Woodland Ancient?
Aller and Beer Woods is an example of an ancient woodland. This means it has been a forest for a very long time. It has been a woodland since at least the year 1600.
For hundreds of years, people managed this forest in a special way. They used a method called coppicing. This helps the trees grow back strongly. It also creates different habitats for wildlife.
Trees and Plants of Aller and Beer Woods
The woods are famous for their old trees. They are managed using a system called coppice-with-standards. This means some trees are cut back regularly (coppiced). Other taller trees, called standards, are left to grow big.
The main trees you will see here are ash and oak. There are also some Wych elm trees. These trees make up the main forest canopy.
Rare and Interesting Plants
Aller and Beer Woods is home to some very special plants. These plants show that the woodland is truly ancient. Look for small-leaved lime and wild service tree. These are both common in this area.
Some plants here are quite rare. You might find the bird's nest orchid. There is also the greater butterfly orchid. A very rare plant called purple gromwell also grows here. It is listed in the Red Data Book. This book lists plants and animals that are at risk of disappearing.
Nearby Natural Areas
Close to Aller and Beer Woods, you can find another SSSI. This is called Aller Hill SSSI. It is also a protected natural area.
