Blackheath SSSI, Surrey facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Surrey |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 141.6 hectares (350 acres) |
| Notification | 1987 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Blackheath is a very special natural area in Surrey, England. It's located south-east of Guildford and covers about 141.6 hectares. That's like 350 football fields! This important place is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI for short.
Contents
Discover Blackheath: A Special Place for Nature
Blackheath is a fantastic spot because it has unique types of land. You'll find dry lowland heath and acid grassland here. These are special habitats that many rare plants and animals need to survive.
What Makes Blackheath So Special?
This area is carefully looked after to protect its wildlife. It's a home for many different kinds of creatures.
- Birds: Lots of different birds come here to nest and raise their young. It's a busy place for bird families!
- Insects: Keep an eye out for interesting bugs. There's a rare spider called the heathland spider (Oxyopes heterophthalmus). There's also a very rare beetle called Lomechusoides strumosa. These insects are super important to the health of the heathland.
- Plants: Blackheath also has areas of woodland. In these woods, you can find a rare type of moss called Dicranum polysetum. Finding such a rare moss shows how special the environment here is.
Exploring Blackheath
You can explore parts of Blackheath! Two lanes, Blackheath Lane and Littleford Lane, actually go right through this special site. This means you can get a glimpse of its natural beauty.
What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)?
A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a protected area in the United Kingdom. These places are chosen because they have important wildlife, plants, or geological features. They are like nature's treasures! Being a SSSI means the area is managed to keep it healthy and safe for its unique inhabitants. Blackheath was officially made a SSSI in 1987.
