Edge Common facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Example - Duke of Burgundy (Hamearis lucina)
|
|
| Area of Search | Gloucestershire |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°46′54″N 2°13′21″W / 51.781702°N 2.222462°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 20.47 hectare |
| Notification | 1974 |
Edge Common is a special place in Gloucestershire, England. It covers about 20.47 hectares, which is roughly the size of 40 football fields! This area is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It was officially recognized in 1974 because of its amazing plants and animals.
This beautiful common is located within the Cotswolds, a famous area known for its stunning natural beauty. It's a fantastic example of a natural grassland that has been carefully looked after for many years.
Discovering Edge Common's Plants
Edge Common is home to a unique type of grassland. It grows on limestone rock from the Jurassic period. This kind of grassland used to be very common across the Cotswolds. Today, Edge Common helps us see what those old landscapes were like.
You can find different kinds of grasses here, like Tor Grass and Upright Brome. There are also many special wild plants that love the lime-rich soil. These are called calcareous herbs. Besides the open grassland, parts of the common have Beech trees forming woodlands. You might also spot areas with Birch scrub. Look closely, and you might even see old, unused quarries scattered around.
Butterflies and Other Insects
Edge Common is a super important spot for insects, especially butterflies! It's famous for its "Cotswold blues," which are types of blue butterflies. You can also find the beautiful Duke of Burgundy butterfly here.
To help these amazing butterflies thrive, people carefully manage the land. They use special grazing methods to make sure the plants the butterflies need can grow well. This helps create the perfect home for these delicate creatures.
