Coombe Wood and The Lythe facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Footpath through Coombe Wood
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| Area of Search | Hampshire |
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| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 44.0 hectares (109 acres) |
| Notification | 1984 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Coombe Wood and The Lythe is a very special natural area located west of Bordon in Hampshire, England. It covers about 44 hectares, which is roughly the size of 108 football fields! This site is protected because it's home to unique plants and wildlife.
It is officially known as a "Site of Special Scientific Interest" (SSSI). This means it's one of the best places in the country for its wildlife or geology. Coombe Wood is also cared for by the National Trust, a charity that looks after important places for everyone to enjoy.
This special area is also part of a bigger protected zone. It belongs to the East Hampshire Hangers Special Area of Conservation. This shows how important Coombe Wood and The Lythe are for nature.
Contents
What Makes Coombe Wood Special?
Coombe Wood and The Lythe is a mix of different natural habitats. These include woodlands and meadows. Each part supports different kinds of plants and animals.
Unique Woodlands
The woodlands here grow on a type of soil called Wealden Upper Greensand. This soil helps certain plants to grow really well.
- Mosses and Liverworts: These woods are famous for their rich collection of bryophytes. Bryophytes are tiny, non-flowering plants like mosses and liverworts. They love the damp conditions here.
- Special Ground Plants: You can find many plants that prefer calcareous (lime-rich) soil. Two interesting ones are the green hellebore and the violet helleborine. These are beautiful and rare wildflowers.
Meadows and Streams
Besides the woods, there are also lovely meadows. These open grassy areas are found next to a stream. Meadows are important habitats for insects, birds, and small mammals.
Different Types of Trees
Another part of the site has a different kind of woodland. This area has many oak trees and hazel trees. These trees grow on a soil type called Gault clay. This mix of trees and soil types adds to the variety of life found here.
Why is it Protected?
Coombe Wood and The Lythe was officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1984. This protection helps to make sure its unique plants and habitats are safe for the future. It's important to protect places like this so that rare species can thrive and people can continue to learn about and enjoy nature.
