Eridge Green facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | East Sussex |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 8.4 hectares (21 acres) |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Eridge Green is a special natural area in East Sussex, England. It covers about 8.4 hectares (21 acres) (which is like 12 football fields!). This site is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its unique plants and natural features.
Eridge Green is also part of a larger area called Eridge Rocks nature reserve. This bigger reserve is about 44 hectares (110 acres) in size and is looked after by the Sussex Wildlife Trust. They work hard to protect the amazing wildlife and plants that live there.
What Makes Eridge Green Special?
Eridge Green is an ancient woodland. This means it has been a forest for hundreds of years, perhaps even since the Middle Ages! The ground here is made of clay, but you'll also find large parts of sandstone sticking out. These sandstone parts form impressive cliffs that can be up to ten metres tall. That's as high as a three-story building!
These cliffs and the ancient woodland create a perfect home for many different kinds of plants. The mix of clay soil and rocky areas makes it a very special place for nature to thrive.
Plants and Nature
The unique environment at Eridge Green helps some rare and interesting plants grow. On the sandstone rocks, you can find a special plant called the Tunbridge filmy fern. This fern loves damp, shady places, and the cliffs at Eridge Green are just right for it.
You might also spot different types of mosses and liverworts growing on the rocks. These small, green plants are important parts of the ecosystem. Some of the mosses found here include Dicranum scottianum and Orthodontium gracile. Liverworts like Scapania umbrosa, Scapania gracilis, and Harpanthus scutatus also make their home on these ancient stones.
Visiting Eridge Green
If you want to explore this amazing natural spot, you can get to Eridge Green from Warren Farm Lane. It's a great place to visit if you love nature and want to see some unique plants and ancient woodlands. Remember to respect the wildlife and keep the area clean so everyone can enjoy it!
