Barking Woods facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Suffolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 98.7 hectares |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Barking Woods is a really special place in Suffolk, England. It's officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's protected because of its amazing nature and wildlife. The area covers about 98.7 hectares, which is like 240 football fields! It's split into six different parts located northeast of Ipswich.
A big part of Barking Woods, about 20 hectares, is called Bonny Wood. This area is a nature reserve, looked after by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. They are a group dedicated to protecting wildlife and natural spaces.
Contents
A Special Place for Nature
Barking Woods is important because it's an ancient woodland. This means trees have been growing here for hundreds of years, possibly even since the year 1251! These old woodlands are very rare and important for many plants and animals.
What Trees Grow Here?
The main trees you'll find in Barking Woods are:
- Oak trees
- Ash trees
- Silver birch trees
You might also spot a very rare tree called the wild pear. It's not often seen in the wild, making Barking Woods even more special.
Amazing Plants and Flowers
The ground in Barking Woods is full of different plants and flowers. Some of the interesting ones include:
- Herb paris: A plant with a single, unique flower.
- Ramsons: Also known as wild garlic, with white flowers and a strong smell.
- Sanicle: A plant with small, delicate flowers.
- Early purple orchid: A beautiful purple flower that blooms in spring.
These plants show how healthy and diverse the woodland is.
Exploring Barking Woods
While some parts of Barking Woods are private land, the Bonny Wood nature reserve is open for everyone to visit. There's also a public footpath that goes through another part of the woods called Priestley Wood. This means you can explore and enjoy the beauty of this ancient woodland. It's a great place to see nature up close and learn about local wildlife.
