Coulters Dean facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 2.2 hectares (5.4 acres) |
| Notification | 1984 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Coulters Dean is a very special nature spot in Hampshire, England. It's located south-east of a village called Buriton. This area is known for its unique plants and tiny creatures. It's officially protected because of its amazing wildlife.
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What Makes Coulters Dean Special?
Coulters Dean is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, often called an SSSI. This means it's one of the best places in the country for wildlife or geology. The government protects these sites to make sure their special features are safe.
This particular SSSI covers about 2.2 hectares, which is roughly the size of five football fields. It's also part of a larger nature reserve, about twice that size. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust helps look after this whole area. They work hard to keep it a great home for nature.
A Home on Chalk Grassland
Coulters Dean is a type of habitat called chalk grassland. This kind of grassland grows on chalky soil, which is very thin and doesn't have many nutrients. It's found on a slope facing west on the South Downs.
Even though the soil is thin, many special plants and animals love it here. They have adapted to these conditions. This makes chalk grasslands very important for biodiversity.
Amazing Plants and Animals
Coulters Dean is full of life. Scientists have been recording the plants and animals here since 1914! This long history helps us understand how the environment changes over time.
Beautiful Flowers
You can find many different flowering plants at Coulters Dean. Some of the notable ones include:
- Horseshoe vetch: This plant is important for certain butterflies.
- Rampion: Also known as round-headed rampion, it has pretty blue, ball-shaped flowers.
- Clustered bellflower: This plant has deep purple-blue flowers that grow in tight bunches.
The reserve is also home to at least eleven different types of Orchids. Orchids are beautiful and often rare flowers. Finding so many kinds in one place shows how healthy this habitat is.
Tiny Creatures
Besides the plants, Coulters Dean is home to many invertebrates. These are animals without backbones, like insects, spiders, and snails. They play a huge role in the ecosystem. They help pollinate plants and are food for other animals. The rich variety of plants here supports a wide range of these small creatures.
Images for kids
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Coulters Dean is a special place for nature.
