Burgate Wood facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Suffolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 29.9 hectares |
| Notification | 1987 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Burgate Wood is a special natural area in Suffolk, England. It covers about 29.9 hectares, which is roughly the size of 70 football fields! This woodland is protected because it's home to unique plants and an ancient historical site.
Contents
Burgate Wood: A Protected Natural Area
Burgate Wood is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a very important place for nature. The UK government protects these sites to make sure their special plants, animals, or geology are kept safe for the future. Burgate Wood was given this special protection in 1987.
What Makes This Woodland Special?
Burgate Wood is an example of ancient woodland. This means it has been continuously wooded for hundreds of years. The trees here are mainly oak and hornbeam. These woods are managed using a traditional method called "coppice with standards."
- Coppice with standards: This is an old way of managing forests. Some trees (the "standards," like oaks) are left to grow tall. Other trees (the "coppice") are cut down to the ground every few years. This helps new shoots grow, providing wood and creating different habitats for plants and animals.
Rare Plants You Can Find
The plants growing on the woodland floor are very diverse. This means there are many different kinds! Some of these plants are quite rare or uncommon.
- Lungwort: This plant is rare in the UK. It has pretty bell-shaped flowers and spotted leaves.
- Herb paris: This plant is uncommon and has a single green flower above a whorl of leaves.
- Yellow archangel: Another uncommon plant with bright yellow flowers.
- Hairy woodrush: This grass-like plant is also not commonly found everywhere.
A Look at the Past: The Medieval Ringwork
Inside Burgate Wood, there's also a medieval ringwork. A ringwork is an old type of castle or fort. It's usually made of a circular bank of earth and a ditch, which would have been built for defense a long time ago. This ringwork is a Scheduled Monument. This means it's an important historical site that is legally protected. It's against the law to damage it, ensuring it stays safe for future generations to learn from.
Visiting Burgate Wood
It's important to know that Burgate Wood is on private land. This means there is no public access for visitors. Its protection helps keep its special features safe and undisturbed.
