Bourley and Long Valley facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 823.5 hectares (2,035 acres) |
| Notification | 1993 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Bourley and Long Valley is a special natural area in Hampshire, England. It covers about 823.5 hectares, which is like 2,035 football fields! This important place is located between the towns of Fleet and Aldershot. It's officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its amazing wildlife and plants.
This area is also part of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area. This means it's a very important place for protecting wild birds. It helps make sure that many different bird species have a safe home to live and raise their young.
Contents
What Makes Bourley and Long Valley Special?
Bourley and Long Valley is unique because it has many different types of natural environments, called habitats. These include open heathland, thick woodlands, areas with bushes (scrub), wet marshy lands (mire), and grassy fields. Each of these habitats provides a home for different kinds of animals and plants.
Important Heathland Birds
The heathland at Bourley and Long Valley is super important for several bird species that need extra protection. These birds are considered "vulnerable," meaning their numbers are decreasing, and they need help to survive.
- Woodlarks: These small brown birds are known for their beautiful, flute-like songs. They often sing while flying high in the sky.
- Nightjars: Nightjars are mysterious birds that are mostly active at night. They have amazing camouflage that helps them blend in perfectly with their surroundings during the day.
- Dartford Warblers: These tiny, active birds have dark feathers and bright red eyes. They love to live in dense heathland bushes.
Amazing Insects and Other Creatures
Besides birds, Bourley and Long Valley is home to a rich variety of insects and other small creatures, known as invertebrates. Some of these are very rare and special.
- Potter Wasp (Eumenes coarctatus): This unique wasp builds small, pot-shaped nests out of mud. It's considered nationally scarce, meaning it's not found in many places across the country.
- Silver-studded Blue Butterfly: This beautiful butterfly has bright blue wings with tiny silver spots on the underside. It relies on specific plants found in heathland.
- Downy Emerald Dragonfly: This stunning dragonfly has a metallic green body and clear wings. It lives near the wet, marshy parts of the valley.
Protecting This Special Place
Bourley and Long Valley was officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1993. This designation helps protect the area from damage and ensures that its unique habitats and the creatures living there are looked after for future generations. Protecting places like this helps keep our planet healthy and full of amazing wildlife.
Images for kids
-
A view of the natural landscape at Bourley and Long Valley.
