Chimney Meadows facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Oxfordshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 49.6 hectares (123 acres) |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Chimney Meadows is a very special place for nature in Oxfordshire, England. It covers about 49.6 hectares, which is roughly the size of 122 football fields! This area is important because it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and also a National Nature Reserve. It is managed by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, who work to protect its unique plants and wildlife.
Contents
What Makes Chimney Meadows Special?
Chimney Meadows was officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1986. An SSSI is a protected area chosen because it has rare plants, animals, or geological features. It is also part of a larger 308-hectare nature reserve, which is a National Nature Reserve. These reserves are the most important places for wildlife and geology in the United Kingdom.
Location and Management
This amazing natural area is located between the towns of Abingdon-on-Thames and Faringdon in Oxfordshire. The southern edge of Chimney Meadows is bordered by the famous River Thames. The entire reserve, including Chimney Meadows, is carefully looked after by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust. They help keep the habitat healthy for all the creatures that live there.
The Unique Meadows and Plants
Chimney Meadows is famous for its six "botanically rich" meadows. This means they are full of many different types of plants. These meadows are "alluvial," which means they are made of rich soil deposited by a river, often after floods. This type of soil is perfect for certain plants to grow.
Plants of the Meadows
The meadows have many ditches running through them. These ditches are often covered in a tall grass called reed canary-grass. You can also find several other common grasses here, such as:
- Crested dog's-tail
- Creeping bent
- Perennial rye-grass
- Hairy sedge
- Glaucous sedge
These grasses and sedges create a perfect home for many insects and small animals.
