Church Woods, Blean facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Kent |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 526.7 hectares (1,302 acres) |
| Notification | 2000 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Church Woods, Blean is a huge and important woodland area near Canterbury in Kent, England. It covers about 526.7 hectares (1,302 acres), which is like 1,300 football fields! This special place is protected because it's home to many rare plants and animals. It's known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a National Nature Reserve, and even a Special Area of Conservation. Part of it is also looked after by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
Contents
Discovering Church Woods
Church Woods is a type of forest called a "broadleaved coppice with standards" wood. This means it has a mix of different trees, some that are regularly cut back (coppiced) and some taller, older trees (standards). This way of managing the wood helps many different plants and animals to thrive. The ground is covered with a rich variety of plants, and the trees provide homes for many birds.
Home to Rare Wildlife
This woodland is famous for its amazing wildlife. You can find a wide range of birds flying through the trees and many different insects and other small creatures (invertebrates) living here.
The Heath Fritillary Butterfly
One of the most special creatures found here is the heath fritillary butterfly. This butterfly is very rare in the UK, so finding it in Church Woods makes the area even more important for nature.
Visiting Church Woods
Good news! You can visit Church Woods and explore its beauty. There are public footpaths that cross through the woodland, so you can enjoy a walk and discover the amazing nature for yourself.
