Ashford Hill NNR facts for kids

Ashford Hill is a special place in Hampshire, England, that's protected as a national nature reserve. It's a fantastic spot where you can explore nature and see lots of different plants and animals. Part of this reserve is also known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which means it's extra important for its wildlife and natural features. Natural England, a group that looks after nature in England, helps manage this reserve.

About the Reserve

Ashford Hill National Nature Reserve covers about 23 hectares (that's like 57 acres). A big part of this, about 20.36 hectares (or 50.31 acres), is the special SSSI area. This SSSI section is actually part of an even larger SSSI called Ashford Hill Woods and Meadows, which is much bigger at 142.1 hectares (about 351.1 acres)!

The reserve has low-lying meadows, which are like grassy fields, found in the valley of a small stream. It also has lovely woodland areas with trees. The soil in the meadows is a mix of London Clay and Bagshot beds, which are types of rock and soil that affect what plants can grow there.

The stream flowing through the reserve is called Baughurst Brook. This brook eventually flows into a larger river called the River Enborne.

A Bit of History

The wooded parts of Ashford Hill are thought to have once been part of a very old royal forest from the Middle Ages. This forest was known as Pamber. Imagine kings and queens hunting or exploring these woods long, long ago!

Amazing Animals

Ashford Hill is home to many different kinds of animals, from birds flying high to tiny bugs crawling on the ground.

Birds You Might See

If you visit, keep your eyes and ears open for these birds:

Cool Bugs and Invertebrates

The reserve is also buzzing with many interesting insects and other small creatures:

Wonderful Plants

The reserve is full of different types of plants, from tall trees to small flowers.

Trees You'll Find

The main trees growing here are:

• Alder
• Hawthorn

Other Plants and Flowers

Here are some of the many other plants that grow in Ashford Hill:

See Also

• Ashford Hill