Elsworth Wood facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Cambridgeshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 6.9 hectares |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Elsworth Wood is a very special place in Cambridgeshire, England. It's a 6.9 hectare (that's about 17 acres) area of woodland located between the towns of Cambourne and Elsworth. This amazing forest is recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, often called a SSSI. It was given this important title in 1986 because of its unique plants and animals.
Contents
What Makes Elsworth Wood Special?
Elsworth Wood is not just any forest; it's a place where nature thrives in unusual ways. It has three different types of woodland that are quite rare to find. This makes it a really important spot for scientists and nature lovers.
Unique Trees and Plants
The main type of tree you'll find here is the field maple. These trees are often managed using a method called coppicing. Coppicing means cutting trees down to near ground level regularly. This helps new shoots grow, creating a dense, bushy area. It's an old way of managing forests that helps many different plants and animals.
Underneath the trees, there's a rich variety of shrubs. The ground is covered with beautiful plants like dog's mercury and bright blue bluebells. But what makes Elsworth Wood truly stand out is its large population of oxlips. Oxlips are a type of wild flower that looks a bit like a primrose, and they are quite uncommon in many parts of the UK.
Amazing Insects
It's not just the plants that are special here; Elsworth Wood is also home to some very rare insects. Several types of beetles that are uncommon across the whole country live in this woodland. One example is a type of rove beetle called Stichoglossa semirufa. These tiny creatures are an important part of the forest's ecosystem. They help keep the environment healthy and balanced.
Can You Visit Elsworth Wood?
While Elsworth Wood is a fascinating place, it is on private land. This means there is no public access for visitors. Its special status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest helps protect its unique plants and animals from being disturbed.
