Croft Pasture facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Leicestershire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 6.2 hectares |
| Notification | 1983 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Croft Pasture is a special natural area located near Croft in Leicestershire, England. It covers about 6.2 hectares, which is roughly the size of 15 football fields! This beautiful place is officially a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's protected by law because of its important plants and wildlife.
Most of Croft Pasture, about 5.8 hectares, is owned and managed by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust. They are a charity that helps protect wild places and animals. They work hard to keep this natural space healthy for everyone to enjoy.
What Makes Croft Pasture Special?
Croft Pasture is a very important place for nature. It's an "unimproved" meadow, which means it hasn't been changed much by farming or building. This allows many different kinds of plants to grow there naturally.
The River Soar flows right through the middle of this meadow. The river and the damp ground create a perfect home for specific types of grasses and flowers.
A Home for Unique Plants
You'll find many interesting plants growing at Croft Pasture. The meadow is mostly covered by grasses like common bent and crested dog's-tail. These grasses are common, but they are important for the animals that live there.
In the northern part of the site, there's a small hill called a knoll. This area has some rarer plants that you don't see everywhere. Look out for plants like meadow saxifrage, common stork's-bill, and subterranean clover. These special plants are part of what makes Croft Pasture an SSSI.
Exploring Croft Pasture
If you want to visit Croft Pasture, you can find access from Station Road. It's a great place to explore and see nature up close. Remember to respect the wildlife and the environment when you visit.
