Ash to Brookwood Heaths facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Surrey |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 1,576.3 hectares (3,895 acres) |
| Notification | 1993 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Ash to Brookwood Heaths is a very special nature area in Surrey, west of Guildford. It covers about 1,576 hectares, which is like 3,900 football fields! This area is protected because it has important plants and animals. It is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI for short.
A big part of this land, about 1,392 hectares, is looked after by the Surrey Wildlife Trust. They work hard to keep it a safe home for wildlife. This site is also part of bigger protected areas. These include the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area and the Thursley, Ash, Pirbright and Chobham Special Area of Conservation. These names mean the area is important for birds and other wildlife across Europe.
What Makes This Place Special?
Ash to Brookwood Heaths has different types of natural areas. You can find dry heathland, which is open land with small shrubs. There are also wet heath areas and bogs, which are marshy and spongy. These different habitats are home to many unique species.
Protecting the Land
A large part of this area has been kept safe from building and development. This is because some parts are used as training ranges by the army. This means the land stays wild and undisturbed. It helps protect the natural environment.
Amazing Wildlife
This site is very important for tiny plants like mosses and liverworts. It is also a vital home for many birds. You can find large numbers of nightjars, woodlarks, Dartford warblers, and hobbies here. These birds are special and need protected places to live and breed.
