Ambersham Common facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | West Sussex |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 141.6 hectares (350 acres) |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Ambersham Common is a special natural area in West Sussex, England. It covers about 141.6 hectares, which is like 350 football fields! This place is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's protected because of its unique plants, animals, or geology.
Ambersham Common is also a "Nature Conservation Review site, Grade 2." This shows it's a very important place for nature in the whole country. It was first recognized as a special site in 1986.
What Makes Ambersham Common Special?
Ambersham Common is mostly a type of habitat called heathland. Heathland is an open area with low-growing plants like heather and gorse. It's often found on sandy or peaty soil.
Home to Amazing Wildlife
This heathland is a fantastic home for many different creatures. You can find a wide variety of invertebrates here. Invertebrates are animals without backbones, like insects, spiders, and worms. Ambersham Common is especially important because it has three types of invertebrates that are very rare in the UK.
Besides heathland, parts of the common are also bog and acid carr.
- Bog is a type of wetland where peat (partially decayed plant matter) builds up.
- Acid carr is a wet woodland area, often with trees like willow and alder, that grows on acidic, waterlogged soil.
These different habitats mean many kinds of birds can live here. Some of the birds you might spot are quite rare. These include:
- Nightjars: These birds are active at dusk and dawn. They have amazing camouflage.
- Woodlarks: Known for their beautiful, fluting songs.
- Dartford warblers: Small, shy birds that live in heathland and gorse.
Visiting Ambersham Common
Even though it's a protected area, you can still explore parts of Ambersham Common. There are roads and footpaths that cross through the common. This allows people to enjoy its natural beauty and spot some of its unique wildlife. Remember to stick to the paths to help protect this special place.
