Cleeve Hill SSSI, Somerset facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
| Area of Search | Somerset |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°10′36″N 3°21′07″W / 51.17662°N 3.35181°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 15.1 hectares (0.151 km2; 0.058 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1989 |
Cleeve Hill is a special natural area located in Somerset, England. It's found between the villages of Old Cleeve and Watchet. This beautiful spot is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Being an SSSI means Cleeve Hill is a very important place for nature and science. It was given this special protection in 1989 because of its unique plants and habitats. The site covers about 15.1 hectares, which is roughly the size of 37 football fields!
What Makes Cleeve Hill Unique?
Cleeve Hill is mostly a hillside that slopes down towards the Washford River Valley. Its slopes face south, which means they get lots of sunshine. This sunny, sloping land creates a perfect home for many different kinds of plants and animals.
Amazing Grasslands and Rare Plants
One of the main reasons Cleeve Hill is so special is its rich and diverse grassland. This isn't just any grass; it's a type called "calcareous grassland." This means it grows on soil that has a lot of chalk or limestone. This kind of soil helps unique plants to thrive.
You can also find areas of mixed woodland and scrub (bushes) on the hill. These different habitats make Cleeve Hill a great place for wildlife.
Discovering Rare Species
Cleeve Hill is home to some truly rare plants that are hard to find anywhere else in Great Britain. Two of these special plants are:
- Nit-grass (Gastridium ventricosum)
- Rough Marsh-mallow (Althaea hirsuta)
Finding these rare species here shows how important it is to protect places like Cleeve Hill. It helps keep these unique plants safe for future generations to enjoy and study.
