Atkinsons Warren facts for kids
Atkinsons Warren is a large and beautiful area of woodland in northwest Scunthorpe, England. It is a special place known as a Local Nature Reserve. This means it is protected for its wildlife and natural beauty. The Warren has many different parts, including a sunny meadow where rabbits graze. You can also find rough grasslands, young trees and bushes, and older forests with birch and oak trees. Look closely, and you might even spot some cool tree carvings!
You can easily visit Atkinsons Warren on foot or by car. It's a popular spot for people to walk their dogs and enjoy a bike ride. It's a great place to explore nature and get some fresh air.
What is Atkinsons Warren?
Atkinsons Warren is a big green space covering over 33 hectares. That's about the size of 60 football fields! It became an official nature reserve on July 28, 2004. This helps protect the plants and animals that live there.
- Woodland: Most of the area is covered by trees, especially birch and oak. These trees provide homes for many creatures.
- Meadows: Open grassy areas are perfect for rabbits and other small animals.
- Grassland and Scrub: These areas have different types of grasses and young bushes. They are important habitats for insects and birds.
Who was Walter Atkinson?
The name Atkinsons Warren comes from a man named Walter Atkinson. He was a gamekeeper for the Sheffield family, who lived at Normanby Hall. A gamekeeper is someone who looks after wild animals and birds on a large estate.
Walter Atkinson lived in a small house, called a shooting lodge, within the Warren. He lived there for a very long time, from 1905 until 1966. Today, you can still see the old ruins of his home. These ruins are on a path that is very popular with dog walkers. It's a cool piece of history hidden in the woods!
Protecting Nature
Being a Local Nature Reserve means Atkinsons Warren is important for nature. It helps to keep different types of plants and animals safe. It also gives people a wonderful place to connect with nature. When you visit, remember to help keep it clean and protect its wildlife.
See Also
- Local Nature Reserve
- Scunthorpe