East Polden Grasslands facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
| Area of Search | Somerset |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°05′22″N 2°45′09″W / 51.08939°N 2.75242°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 124 hectares (1.24 km2; 0.48 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1999 |
The East Polden Grasslands is a very special natural area in Somerset, England. It covers about 124 hectares, which is roughly the size of 300 football fields! This site was officially named a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1999. An SSSI is a protected area because it has unique plants, animals, or geological features that are important for science and nature.
Contents
What Makes This Place Special?
This SSSI is famous for its amazing grasslands. These are not just any fields; they are "species-rich, unimproved, calcareous grasslands." This means they have many different kinds of plants and have not been changed by farming or chemicals. The soil here is rich in calcium, which helps special plants grow.
Rare Plants and Flowers
Among the many plant species found here is the early gentian (Gentianella anglica). This beautiful flower is endemic to Britain. That means it grows naturally only in Britain and nowhere else in the world! Finding it here makes the East Polden Grasslands a very important place for plant conservation.
Home to Rare Butterflies
One of the most exciting things about this site is that it's a perfect home for the large blue butterfly (Phengaris arion). This butterfly is very rare, but it has been successfully brought back to this area. Scientists worked hard to reintroduce them, meaning they helped the butterflies start living here again after they had disappeared from the area.
Unique Insects and Wildlife
The grasslands are also home to other interesting insects. You can find two types of grasshoppers that are "nationally scarce." This means they are rare across the whole country. These include the rufous grasshopper (Gomphocerippus rufus) and the woodland grasshopper (Omocestus rufipes). Many other rare species of moths, beetles, bees, and ants also live here, making it a buzzing hub of insect life!
