Bentley Station Meadow facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 5.2 hectares (13 acres) |
| Notification | 1992 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Bentley Station Meadow is a special natural area in Hampshire, England. It covers about 5.2 hectares (which is roughly the size of 13 football fields!). This meadow is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because it's home to unique plants and animals. It was given this important status in 1992 to help protect its amazing wildlife.
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What Makes Bentley Station Meadow Special?
Bentley Station Meadow is a rare type of grassland. It's called "unimproved herb-rich grassland." This means it hasn't been changed much by farming or building. Because of this, many different kinds of wild plants and insects can thrive here.
Plants of the Meadow
The meadow is mostly covered by different types of grasses. Some of the most common ones you'll find are:
- Cock's-foot (Dactylis glomerata)
- Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus)
- Tufted hairgrass (Tufted hairgrass)
These grasses create the perfect home for many small creatures.
Incredible Insects
One of the most exciting things about Bentley Station Meadow is its huge variety of insects. These tiny animals are called invertebrates. The meadow is especially famous for its:
- Hoverflies: These insects look a bit like bees, but they are actually flies! They are very important for pollinating flowers. You might spot some uncommon types here, like Sphaerophoria taeniata and Xanthogramma citrofasiatum.
- Butterflies: The meadow is a fantastic place for butterflies. There are 22 different kinds of butterflies that live and breed here. This shows how healthy and diverse the meadow's environment is.
Visiting the Meadow
Even though it's a protected area, you can still visit Bentley Station Meadow. A public footpath runs right through the middle of it. This path leads to Bentley railway station. It's a great way to explore and see the beautiful plants and insects up close. Remember to stay on the path to help protect this special place!
