Ellesborough and Kimble Warrens facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
View across Great Kimble Warren
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| Area of Search | Buckinghamshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 68.9 hectares |
| Notification | 1984 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Ellesborough and Kimble Warrens is a special natural area in Ellesborough, Buckinghamshire, England. It covers about 68.9 hectares, which is like 170 football fields! This site is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because it has unique plants and animals.
It's also part of the beautiful Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This means the area is protected for its amazing landscapes and wildlife.
Contents
What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest?
A Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI, is a special place in the UK. These areas are chosen because they have rare wildlife, important plants, or interesting geology. They are protected by law to make sure they stay healthy and safe for nature.
Ellesborough and Kimble Warrens was officially recognized as an SSSI in 1984. This helps protect its unique habitats and species for everyone to enjoy.
Exploring the Valleys
This SSSI is made up of three deep valleys. They are called Ellesborough Warren, Great Kimble Warren, and Little Kimble Warren. These valleys create different environments where various plants and animals can thrive.
The landscape here is very important for the types of plants that grow. It also provides homes for many different creatures.
Amazing Box Woodlands
One of the most special things about Ellesborough and Kimble Warrens is its natural box woodlands. Box trees are evergreen, meaning they stay green all year round. These woodlands are quite rare, especially in the Chilterns area.
The box trees grow thickly, creating a unique habitat. Many different insects and other small animals live among these trees.
Grasslands and Rare Plants
Besides the woodlands, the site also has grasslands. These open areas are home to some very rare plant species. These plants need specific conditions to grow, which are found here.
Looking closely, you might spot some unusual flowers or grasses. They add to the rich variety of life at Elles Warrens.
Wildlife at the Warrens
Ellesborough and Kimble Warrens is buzzing with life! It's a great place for many different animals.
Tiny Creatures: Invertebrates
The site is home to a wide range of invertebrates. These are animals without a backbone, like insects, spiders, and snails. They play a vital role in the ecosystem, helping plants grow and providing food for birds.
You might see colorful butterflies, busy bees, or interesting beetles. Each one helps keep the natural balance of the area.
Birds in the Trees
Many different types of birds come to Ellesborough and Kimble Warrens to nest and raise their young. The mix of woodlands and grasslands provides perfect homes for them.
Keep an eye out for various breeding birds. You might hear their songs echoing through the valleys.
A Look Back in Time: The Warrens' History
The word "warren" has an interesting history. In medieval times, a warren was a special area. It was set aside by people to breed rabbits or hares. These animals were raised for food and fur.
The Pillow Mound
On Beacon Hill, which is in the north-east part of the site, you can find a very old structure. It's called a pillow mound. This mound was built on purpose to help rabbits breed. It's like a special, man-made burrow system.
This pillow mound is so well-preserved that it's now a scheduled monument. This means it's an important historical site protected by the government. It gives us a peek into how people lived and managed land many centuries ago.
