Eversden and Wimpole Woods facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Eversden Wood
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| Area of Search | Cambridgeshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 67.1 hectares |
| Notification | 2003 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Eversden and Wimpole Woods is a special natural area in Cambridgeshire, England. It covers about 67 hectares, which is like 165 football fields! These woods are located between the villages of Kingston and Orwell. They are protected because they are home to some very rare animals and plants.
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What Makes These Woods Special?
Eversden and Wimpole Woods are officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means they are important for their wildlife and natural features. They are also a Special Area of Conservation, which is an even higher level of protection, especially for certain animals.
Home to Rare Bats
One of the main reasons these woods are so special is because of the bats that live there. Wimpole Wood alone has six different kinds of bats! The most famous resident is the barbastelle bat. This type of bat is very rare in Britain.
Why are Barbastelle Bats Important?
Female barbastelle bats use the woods to have their babies and raise them. They often hide their young in small cracks and holes in old trees. Protecting these woods helps make sure these rare bats have a safe place to live and grow.
Ancient Trees and Plants
Eversden Wood is a fantastic example of an old woodland. It has many ancient trees, like ash and field maple, which are not common in other lowland areas of Britain. These old trees create a perfect home for many different plants and animals.
What Kind of Plants Grow Here?
You can find many types of herbs that usually grow in very old forests. These plants add to the rich variety of life in the woods. They also show how long the woods have been around in their natural state.
Visiting Eversden and Wimpole Woods
If you want to explore these amazing woods, you can! There are public footpaths that go through the area. This means you can walk through the woods and enjoy nature while being careful not to disturb the wildlife. It's a great place to see some of Britain's unique natural heritage.
