Bray Pennyroyal Field facts for kids
Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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Area of Search | Berkshire |
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Interest | Biological |
Area | 3.5 hectares (8.6 acres) |
Notification | 1991 |
Location map | Magic Map |
Bray Pennyroyal Field is a special natural area in Berkshire, England. It covers about 3.5 hectares (8.6 acres) and is located between the towns of Windsor and Maidenhead. This site is officially protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its unique plants and wildlife.
Contents
What Makes Bray Pennyroyal Field Special?
This field used to be a gravel pit, but it was filled in and is now next to the River Thames. It's super important because it's the only place in Berkshire where you can find a very rare plant called pennyroyal.
The Rare Pennyroyal Plant
Pennyroyal is a small, fragrant plant that is nationally rare in the United Kingdom. It's so rare that it's listed in the British Red Data Book of vascular plants. This book is like a special list of plants that are endangered or very rare in Britain. Finding pennyroyal here makes Bray Pennyroyal Field a really important spot for nature.
How the Field is Cared For
Horses graze in the field, which means they eat the grass and other plants. This might sound strange, but it actually helps the rare pennyroyal plant grow! The way the horses graze keeps other plants from growing too much and taking over, giving the pennyroyal the space and light it needs to thrive. This type of care is called a "management regime" and it's very helpful for the plant's survival.
Visiting Bray Pennyroyal Field
It's important to know that Bray Pennyroyal Field is private land. This means there is no public access, so people cannot visit it. This helps protect the rare plants and the delicate environment of the field.