Ellenden Wood facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Kent |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 90.6 hectares (224 acres) |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Ellenden Wood is a special forest located south of Whitstable in Kent, England. It's a really important place for nature, covering about 90.6 hectares (that's like 224 football fields!). Because it's so special, it's been given a few important titles: it's a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Nature Conservation Review site, and a Special Area of Conservation. These titles mean it's protected because of its amazing plants, animals, and natural features.
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Discovering Ellenden Wood
Ellenden Wood is a fantastic example of a natural woodland. It was officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1985. This means that the area is protected by law because of its unique wildlife and habitats. It's a place where scientists can study nature and where rare species can thrive safely.
Amazing Plants and Animals
Ellenden Wood is like a giant natural treasure chest filled with living things! It's home to an incredible variety of plants and fungi. Imagine, there are over 250 different kinds of vascular plants here. Vascular plants are plants that have special tubes inside them to carry water and food, just like our veins carry blood.
You can also find more than 300 types of fungi in the wood. Fungi are not plants or animals; they are a unique group of living things that help break down dead material and keep the forest healthy.
Insects and Mammals
The wood is also a buzzing home for many insects. Some of these insects are super rare and hard to find anywhere else in the country. This shows how important Ellenden Wood is for protecting different kinds of life.
If you're lucky, you might spot some mammals too! The wood is home to wood mice, tiny dormice (known for their long sleeps), and two different kinds of shrew. These small creatures play a big role in the forest's ecosystem.
Exploring Ellenden Wood
Even though Ellenden Wood is a protected area, parts of it are open for people to enjoy. Several public footpaths cross through the site. This means you can walk through the wood, explore its beauty, and experience nature firsthand. It's a great place for a peaceful walk and to observe the wildlife.
