Chanctonbury Hill facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Chanctonbury Ring
|
|
| Area of Search | West Sussex |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 82.7 hectares (204 acres) |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Chanctonbury Hill is a really special place in West Sussex, England. It's known for its amazing nature and ancient history. This area covers about 82.7 hectares, which is roughly the size of 204 football fields! It's officially called a Site of Special Scientific Interest, meaning it's super important for its plants and animals.
A famous part of Chanctonbury Hill is Chanctonbury Ring. This is an old fort built on a hill way back in the Iron Age (thousands of years ago!). Inside, you can even find the remains of two ancient Romano-Celtic temples, which were places of worship from Roman times. Chanctonbury Ring is also a Scheduled monument, which means it's a protected historical site.
What Makes Chanctonbury Hill Special?
Chanctonbury Hill is located on the steep slopes of the South Downs, a beautiful range of hills. It's mostly covered in woodland, but it also has some open areas of chalk grassland. These different habitats make it a home for many types of wildlife.
Discovering the Wildlife
This special site is a haven for many creatures.
- Newts: There's a small pond, called a dewpond, where you can find great crested newts. These newts are a protected species, meaning it's against the law to harm them or their homes.
- Birds: More than sixty different kinds of birds have been seen nesting here! Some of these include the tiny meadow pipits, the cheerful corn buntings, and the colorful green woodpeckers. It's a great spot for birdwatching.
