Cheesefoot Head facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 13.4 hectares (33 acres) |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Cheesefoot Head is a special natural area near Winchester, England. It's often called the Matterley Bowl because it looks like a giant bowl in the ground. You can find it right next to the A272 road, which is also part of the South Downs Way.
This unique spot has three ancient burial mounds called bowl barrows. The eastern, southern, and western sides of this natural bowl are a protected area. It's a 13.4-hectare (33-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Contents
What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest?
A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a place in the UK that is protected by law. This is because it has important wildlife, plants, or geology. Cheesefoot Head is an SSSI because of its special chalk grassland.
The Amazing Chalk Grassland
The SSSI part of Cheesefoot Head is a steep, grassy area. It's a type of habitat called chalk grassland. This kind of grassland grows on chalky soil.
Animals like cattle and rabbits help keep the grass short by grazing. This helps many different plants to grow. You can find a full range of downland grass species here. These include different types of fescues and bents.
Many interesting wildflowers also grow here. Some examples are the dwarf thistle and the beautiful fragrant orchid. These plants make the area very special.
Cheesefoot Head During World War II
Cheesefoot Head played an interesting role during the Second World War. Many American troops were stationed nearby. To entertain them, boxing events were held in the natural amphitheatre.
General Eisenhower's Visit
Before D-Day, a very important event happened here. General Eisenhower visited Cheesefoot Head. He was the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force. He gave a speech to the American troops gathered there. This was a big moment before the D-Day landings in Normandy.
