Aston Rowant Woods facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Footpath in Aston Wood
|
|
| Area of Search | Oxfordshire Buckinghamshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 209.7 hectares (518 acres) |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Aston Rowant Woods is a very special natural area. It covers about 210 hectares, which is like 500 football fields! You can find it near Aston Rowant in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, England.
This area is so important that it has several special protections. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its amazing plants and animals. Part of it is also an Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve. This means it's one of the best places in the country for wildlife.
Aston Rowant Woods is also part of the Chiltern Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation. This protects important habitats across Europe. Plus, it's inside the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This shows how beautiful and important the landscape is.
Contents
Why Aston Rowant Woods is Special
Aston Rowant Woods is considered very important for nature. Natural England, a group that protects nature, says it's a "large, unbroken area of ancient semi-natural woodland." This type of woodland is very typical of the Chilterns area.
What is Ancient Woodland?
An ancient woodland is a forest that has been around for a very long time. It has been continuously wooded since at least the year 1600. This means it has old trees and special plants that have grown there for centuries.
Parts of Aston Rowant Woods
Aston Rowant Woods is actually made up of several different woodlands. These include Grove Wood, Aston Wood, Juniper Bank, Kingston Wood, High Wood, and Crowell Wood. Together, they form one large, important natural space.
Amazing Plants and Fungi
This special woodland is home to many different kinds of life. You can find 52 types of plants that only grow in ancient woods. There are also over 100 different kinds of fungi!
Some of the plants are quite rare. For example, you might spot the herb Paris quadrifolia, also known as Herb Paris. Another unusual flower found here is the green hellebore.
Home for Invertebrates
The woods also provide great homes for tiny creatures called invertebrates. These are animals without backbones, like insects and spiders. Damp, wet areas and fallen trees create perfect places for them to live. This helps many different kinds of invertebrates to thrive.
Other Habitats
Besides the main woodland, Aston Rowant Woods also has other types of habitats. There are small areas of scrubland, which are bushy areas. You can also find chalk grassland. This is a special type of grassy area that grows on chalky soil. These different habitats help even more types of plants and animals to live here.
