Fayland Chalk Bank facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Fayland Chalk Bank

Site of Special Scientific Interest
Area of Search	Buckinghamshire
Interest	Biological
Area	0.6 hectares
Notification	1989
Location map	Magic Map

Fayland Chalk Bank is a special place in Buckinghamshire, England. It is a small area, about 0.6 hectares, which is roughly the size of one and a half football fields. This site is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Being an SSSI means this area is protected because it has rare plants, animals, or geological features. Fayland Chalk Bank is important for its unique plant life. It is located near Parmoor, south of Lane End, and is part of the beautiful Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

What Makes Fayland Chalk Bank Special?

Fayland Chalk Bank is a type of habitat called chalk grassland. This kind of grassland grows on chalky soil, which is often thin and doesn't hold much water. Despite this, it's home to many different kinds of plants.

Plants You Might Find

The main grasses growing here are red fescue, quaking grass, and yellow oat grass. Quaking grass gets its name because its tiny flower heads tremble in the slightest breeze.

This site is also famous for its beautiful orchids. You can find the common spotted orchid and the pyramidal orchid here. Orchids are known for their unique and colorful flowers.

Why It's Important for Wildlife

Because of all the different chalk flowers, Fayland Chalk Bank is a busy place for insects. Its sunny, south-facing location makes it a perfect spot for them. Many bees, grasshoppers, and butterflies visit this area. They rely on the flowers for food and a place to live. This makes the site very important for keeping these insect populations healthy.

Visiting Fayland Chalk Bank

It's important to know that Fayland Chalk Bank is on private land. This means there is no public access to the site. Even though you can't visit, protecting places like this helps keep our natural world healthy and diverse for everyone.