Broughton Down facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 45.8 hectares (113 acres) |
| Notification | 1984 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Broughton Down is a special place for nature found west of Broughton in Hampshire. It covers about 45.8 hectares, which is like 113 football fields! This area is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because it has unique plants, animals, or geology.
The eastern part of Broughton Down is a nature reserve. This means it's a protected area where wildlife can thrive. It is looked after by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, a group dedicated to protecting nature.
Contents
What Makes Broughton Down Special?
Broughton Down is a "biological" SSSI. This means it's important for its living things, like plants and animals. It's a sloping area, meaning it's not flat, and it sits on chalky ground. Chalk is a soft, white rock that affects the types of plants that can grow there.
Amazing Habitats
This special site has different types of natural areas, called habitats. Each habitat provides a home for different creatures.
Grassy Slopes and Chalky Soil
A big part of Broughton Down is covered in grassland. This grass is kept short by rabbits that graze there. Their grazing helps many different kinds of wildflowers to grow. You might also spot lots of anthills, which are homes for ants and show how busy the insect world is here!
Scrub and Woodland Areas
Besides grassland, Broughton Down also has areas of "scrub." Scrub is made up of bushes and small trees. There are also parts with mature woodland, which means older, taller trees. These different areas provide shelter and food for a wide variety of animals.
Incredible Insects
Broughton Down is a fantastic place for insects, especially butterflies and moths. These tiny creatures are an important part of the ecosystem.
Beautiful Butterflies
You can find several rare and interesting butterflies here, such as:
- The silver-spotted skipper: This butterfly is small and fast, with distinctive silver spots on its wings.
- The Duke of Burgundy fritillary: This is a beautiful orange and brown butterfly. It's quite rare in the UK.
- The Essex skipper: Another type of skipper butterfly, similar to the silver-spotted skipper but with different markings.
Unique Moths
Moths are also important at Broughton Down. One special moth found here is the chalk carpet moth. It gets its name because it lives in chalky areas like this one.
Why is Broughton Down Important?
Broughton Down is important because it protects a special mix of habitats and species. By keeping it safe, we help to make sure that rare butterflies, moths, and other wildlife have a place to live and thrive for many years to come. It's a great example of how different parts of nature work together.
