Aston Upthorpe Downs facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Oxfordshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 38.5 hectares (95 acres) |
| Notification | 1992 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Aston Upthorpe Downs is a very special natural area in Oxfordshire, England. It is located south of a village called Aston Upthorpe. This place is protected because it has important plants and animals. It covers about 38.5 hectares, which is like 70 football fields! It was officially recognized as a special site in 1992.
What is Aston Upthorpe Downs?
Aston Upthorpe Downs is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a protected area. The government protects these places. They are important for their wildlife, geology, or landforms. This particular SSSI is special for its biology. It is also a "Nature Conservation Review" site, which means it's one of the best examples of its kind in the country.
A Special Place for Nature
This area is made up of "dry valleys" within the Berkshire Downs. Most of Aston Upthorpe Downs is covered in a unique type of grassland. This is called "chalk grassland." It grows on chalky soil. This kind of grassland is very rich in different types of plants and animals. Besides the grassland, there are also small areas of mixed woodland. You can also find patches of juniper bushes here.
Amazing Plants and Animals
Aston Upthorpe Downs is home to many different kinds of plants. Some of these plants are quite rare. For example, you can find the "wild candytuft" here. This plant is not common across the country. Even more special is the "pasque flower." Aston Upthorpe Downs is the only place in all of Oxfordshire where this rare flower grows naturally. These unique plants help make this area a very important place for nature.
