Brasenose Wood and Shotover Hill facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Oxfordshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 109.2 hectares (270 acres) |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Brasenose Wood and Shotover Hill is a really special natural area found just outside the city of Oxford in Oxfordshire, England. It covers about 109 hectares, which is roughly the size of 270 football fields! This amazing place is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's protected because it has rare plants, animals, or important geological features.
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Discover Brasenose Wood and Shotover Hill
This natural spot is made up of two main parts: Brasenose Wood and Shotover Hill. Together, they create a fantastic home for many different kinds of wildlife. The area is also recognized as a Nature Conservation Review site, highlighting its importance for protecting nature.
What Makes This Place Special?
Brasenose Wood is a leftover piece of an ancient forest called Shotover Forest. Imagine walking through trees that have been there for hundreds of years! What makes this wood unique is how it's still managed. People use a traditional method called "coppice-with-standards."
Understanding Coppice-with-Standards
This old way of managing a forest involves cutting down some trees close to the ground. This encourages new shoots to grow from the stumps. At the same time, taller, older trees (the "standards") are left to grow big and strong. This method helps keep the forest healthy and creates different habitats for plants and animals.
Amazing Plants and Trees
Brasenose Wood is a paradise for plant lovers. It has a huge variety of plants growing on the ground, known as "ground flora." Over 221 different types of plants with tubes for carrying water (called "vascular plants") have been found here. A remarkable 46 of these plants are special because they only grow in very old, undisturbed woodlands.
A Haven for Ancient Woodland Plants
These special plants tell us that Brasenose Wood has been a forest for a very long time. They need stable conditions to thrive. Finding so many of them here shows how important it is to protect this ancient woodland.
Incredible Insects and Wildlife
Shotover Hill, the other part of this special site, is just as exciting. It has open areas of heathland and natural grasslands that haven't been changed by farming. Natural England, an organization that protects nature, says Shotover Hill is "of outstanding entomological interest."
A Buzzing World of Insects
"Entomological interest" means it's incredibly important for insects! Many rare types of flies, bees, wasps, and ants live here. These tiny creatures play a huge role in the ecosystem, helping plants grow and providing food for other animals. Exploring Shotover Hill is like stepping into a busy, buzzing insect city!
Visiting Brasenose Wood and Shotover Hill
Good news! This amazing natural area is open for everyone to enjoy. Oxford City Council looks after the site as a country park. This means it's a great place for walks, nature spotting, and just enjoying the outdoors. It's a fantastic spot to connect with nature and see some of England's rare plants and insects up close.
