Cheddar Wood facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Somerset |
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| Coordinates | 51°17′36″N 2°47′50″W / 51.29321°N 2.79733°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 86.9 hectares (0.869 km2; 0.336 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1967 |
Cheddar Wood is a special place in Cheddar, England. It's a large woodland area in the Mendip Hills of Somerset. This wood is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It was first recognized as an SSSI in 1967. This means it's important for its plants and animals.
Contents
A Look at Cheddar Wood's Past
Cheddar Wood has a long and interesting history. It was once part of much larger forests. In the 1200s, it belonged to the Bishops of Bath and Wells. Even earlier, in the 900s, it was part of King Edmund the Magnificent's lands.
How the Wood Changed Over Time
In 1801, Cheddar Wood was bigger than it is today. During the 1800s, some parts of the wood were cleared. People wanted to create fields for growing strawberries. However, many of these strawberry fields have now grown back into woodland. The wood was also managed by a method called "coppicing" until 1917. This means trees were cut back regularly to encourage new growth.
Amazing Plants and Animals
Cheddar Wood is home to many different types of natural areas. These include old and new woodlands with broad-leaved trees. There are also areas of natural grassland. You can also find a mix of grassy areas on limestone and dry, heathland plants.
Rare Plants You Might Find
This special wood has two plant species that are very rare in the whole country. One is called the starved wood-sedge (Carex depauperata). It grows along the path on the east side of the wood. The other rare plant is the purple gromwell (Lithospermum purpurocaeruleum). You can find it along the path on the west side.
Incredible Insects and Other Creatures
Cheddar Wood is also a great place for insects. Many types of butterflies live here. These include the silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia) and the dark green fritillary (Argynnis aglaja). You might also spot the pearl-bordered fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne). The holly blue (Celastrina argiolus) and brown argus (Aricia agestis) butterflies are also residents. Beyond butterflies, a special type of slug called Arion fasciatus lives here. It is not found in many other places in southern England. The soldier beetle Cantharis fusca also makes its home in Cheddar Wood.
Protecting Cheddar Wood
The Somerset Wildlife Trust helps look after Cheddar Wood. They manage it as two nature reserves.
Cheddar Wood Edge
One part is called Cheddar Wood Edge. It covers about 7.1 hectares (17.5 acres). This area used to be strawberry fields. Now, it is turning back into rich grassland on limestone. It also has ancient woodland hedges.
Cheddar Wood Reserve
The main Cheddar Wood area is also a reserve. Access to this part is limited. You need a special permit to visit it. This helps protect the sensitive habitats and rare species inside.
