Cowden Pound Pastures facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Kent |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 5.9 hectares (15 acres) |
| Notification | 1994 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Cowden Pound Pastures is a very special natural area located north of Cowden in Kent, England. It covers about 5.9 hectares, which is roughly the size of 15 football fields! This amazing place is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its unique plants and wildlife. It's managed by the Kent Wildlife Trust, an organization that works hard to protect nature.
Contents
What Makes Cowden Pound Pastures Special?
Cowden Pound Pastures is home to a rare type of habitat called "unimproved neutral grassland." This means the land hasn't been changed by farming or building. It's kept in its natural state. This kind of grassland is very important because it supports many different plants and animals. It's quite rare to find such a natural area in the UK.
Why is This Grassland Important?
Imagine a meadow that has been left mostly untouched for a long time. That's what unimproved neutral grassland is like. It has not been plowed, fertilized, or reseeded. This allows many different types of wild grasses and flowers to grow. These plants provide food and shelter for insects, birds, and small mammals. Protecting these areas helps keep our natural world healthy.
Plants You Might See
The pastures are full of interesting plants. You can find different kinds of grasses, like crested dog's tail. This grass has a unique, comb-like seed head. Another common plant here is common knapweed, which has pretty purple flowers. These flowers are great for bees and butterflies.
Wet Areas and Water Plants
Near a stream, there's a part of the pasture that's often wet. This area has its own special plants that love damp conditions. You might spot jointed rush, which has hollow, segmented stems. Another plant that thrives here is water mint. If you gently crush its leaves, you might even smell a fresh, minty scent!
Protecting the Land
To keep Cowden Pound Pastures healthy, it needs a bit of help. The land is carefully grazed, usually by cows or sheep. This might sound strange, but grazing is super important!
Why is Grazing Important?
Grazing animals help keep the grassland open. They eat the taller grasses and prevent bushes and trees from growing too much. If bushes and trees took over, they would shade out the special grassland plants. By grazing, the animals create the perfect conditions for the rare grasses and wildflowers to thrive. It's a natural way to manage the habitat and keep it special.
