Bourton Down facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
_flower.jpg)
Pasqueflower (Pulsatilla vulgaris)
|
|
| Area of Search | Gloucestershire |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°58′50″N 1°47′38″W / 51.980432°N 1.793933°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 11.17 hectare |
| Notification | 1974 |
Bourton Down is a special natural area in Gloucestershire, England. It's officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a protected place because of its unique plants and wildlife.
The site covers about 11.17 hectares, which is roughly the size of 15 football fields. It was first recognized as an SSSI in 1974. Bourton Down is also listed as a Key Wildlife Site (KWS) in the local plans for the Cotswold District. This shows how important it is for nature.
What Makes Bourton Down Special?
Bourton Down is located within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This area is famous for its rolling hills and beautiful countryside. The site itself is a type of grassland that grows on Jurassic limestone. This kind of rock helps create a special soil where certain plants can thrive.
Rare and Beautiful Flowers
One of the most important reasons Bourton Down is protected is because it's home to the beautiful Pasqueflower. This flower is quite rare in the UK, and there are only a few places left where it grows naturally. Seeing a field of Pasqueflowers in spring is a truly amazing sight!
Besides the Pasqueflower, you can also find other interesting plants here. These include the Bastard Toadflax, which has small, delicate flowers. The site also has many Early Purple Orchids and Bee Orchids. Orchids are known for their unique and often colorful flowers. Finding these plants shows how healthy and diverse the habitat at Bourton Down is.
