Clayton to Offham Escarpment facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | East Sussex West Sussex |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 422.5 hectares (1,044 acres) |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
The Clayton to Offham Escarpment is a very special natural area in England. It stretches for about 422.5 hectares (that's like 1,044 football fields!) from Clayton in West Sussex all the way to Lewes in East Sussex. This long, sloping piece of land is important for its amazing plants and animals. Because of this, it is called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Contents
What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest?
A Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI, is a special area in the UK that is protected by law. These places are chosen because they have rare wildlife, plants, or important geological features. The Clayton to Offham Escarpment is an SSSI because it's home to many unique species. It was officially recognized as an SSSI in 1986.
Ditchling Beacon Nature Reserve
A part of this amazing area, about 24 hectares, is a nature reserve called Ditchling Beacon. This reserve is looked after by the Sussex Wildlife Trust. They work hard to protect the plants and animals that live there.
Discover the Escarpment's Nature
Much of the Clayton to Offham Escarpment is made up of steeply sloping chalk grassland. This type of land is perfect for many beautiful flowering plants.
Amazing Plants
You can find many different kinds of plants here. Some of the special ones include:
- Glaucous sedge
- Autumn gentian
- Marjoram
- Squinancywort
The area is also home to several types of orchids. These are beautiful and sometimes rare flowers.
Wonderful Wildlife
Besides the grasslands, there are also areas of woodland and scrub. These different habitats mean that many kinds of animals can live here. The site is especially known for its rich community of breeding birds. This means many different bird species come here to build nests and raise their young.
Images for kids
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Clayton to Offham escarpment from west to east, showing the slopes and brow top
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Clayton Down, looking east towards Clayton Holt with Ditching Beacon beyond
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Keymer Down, showing former chalk pits
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Disused chalk pits, on the slope north of Ditchling Beacon
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Streat Hill viewed from the escarpment near Ditchling Cross. The track leading down is Plumpton Bostal.
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Plumpton Hill, The Coombe, South Downs
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Path into Coombe Plantation
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Offham Down, East Sussex, looking north towards Offham village and Hamsey
