Freston and Cutler's Woods with Holbrook Park facts for kids
Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
![]() Path in Cutler's Wood
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Area of Search | Suffolk |
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Interest | Biological |
Area | 142.0 hectares |
Notification | 1986 |
Location map | Magic Map |
Freston and Cutler's Woods with Holbrook Park is a very special natural area in Suffolk, England. It covers 142 hectares, which is about 350 acres! This beautiful place is south of Ipswich and is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's important for its plants, animals, or geology. It's also part of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which is a landscape recognized for its amazing scenery.
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Exploring Freston and Cutler's Woods
These woods are very old, meaning they have been woodlands for a long, long time. They have different kinds of trees that grow well in wet valleys and sandy ground. It's a great place to see how nature thrives in different conditions.
What Makes These Woods Special?
One of the most interesting things about this area is Holbrook Park. Here, you can find some of the biggest 'coppice stools' in Britain. A coppice stool is a tree stump that has been cut back many times over the years. New shoots grow from the stump, and these can be harvested for wood. Some of these stools are over 3 meters wide! They show how people have managed these woods for centuries.
Trees You Might Find
You'll see lots of sweet chestnut trees here. These trees were brought to Britain a long time ago, during the Middle Ages. They are now a common sight in many woodlands. But there's also a special, rare tree called the wild service tree. Finding one of these is a real treat! It shows how diverse and important these woods are for different plant species.
Visiting the Area
Holbrook Park is private land, so you can't explore it freely. But don't worry! There's a public path that goes right through Cutler's Wood. This means you can still visit and enjoy the beautiful nature, see the ancient trees, and experience this special protected area. It's a wonderful place for a walk and to connect with nature.