Banhaw, Spring and Blackthorn's Woods facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Footpath through Banhaw Wood
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| Area of Search | Northamptonshire |
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| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 123.4 hectares |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Banhaw, Spring and Blackthorn's Woods is a very special natural area located east of Corby in Northamptonshire. It covers a large space of 123.4 hectares, which is about the size of 300 football fields! This site is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI, because of its amazing wildlife and plants.
Contents
What Makes These Woods Special?
A Protected Home for Nature
Banhaw, Spring and Blackthorn's Woods are protected because they are important for many living things. Being a "biological" SSSI means the area is recognized for its plants, animals, and the natural systems that support them. It's like a nature reserve where special care is taken to keep the environment healthy.
These woods are some of the biggest parts left of an old, huge forest called the Royal Forest of Rockingham. This forest has been around for a very long time, and these woods give us a peek into what it used to be like.
Trees and Plants You Might See
The main trees you'll find here are ash and pedunculate oak. These trees grow well in the wet, clay soil, which is rich in a substance called lime (calcium carbonate).
The ground beneath the trees is full of different kinds of plants. This is called "diverse ground flora," meaning there are many types of flowers, ferns, and grasses. You might spot grasses like tufted hair-grass, rough meadow-grass, and wood melick growing here. They all help make the woods a rich habitat for wildlife.
Exploring the Woods
If you want to visit, you can access Banhaw Wood by following a public footpath. This path starts from the nearby village of Lower Benefield. It's a great way to experience the beauty and quiet of this ancient woodland.
