Gallows Hill SSSI, Wiltshire facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
View towards Gallows Hill
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| Coordinates | 51°01′08″N 2°04′12″W / 51.019°N 2.070°W |
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| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 27.8 hectares (69 acres) |
| Notification | 1965 |
Gallows Hill SSSI is a special place in south Wiltshire, England. SSSI stands for Site of Special Scientific Interest. This means it's an area protected by law because of its important wildlife or geology.
Gallows Hill is located on the north side of the Ebble Valley. It has two main types of land: chalk grassland and scrub. These areas are home to many rare animals and plants that are hard to find elsewhere in the country. The site covers about 27.8 hectares (which is about 68 acres). It was first recognized as an SSSI in 1965.
Contents
What is Gallows Hill Like?
This special site includes three areas of sloping land. These slopes face different directions. They are part of a long ridge made of different kinds of chalk rock.
Gallows Hill is also found within a larger protected area. This area is called the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This means the landscape here is considered very beautiful and important.
Why is Gallows Hill Important?
Gallows Hill is very important because it is a great example of a species-rich downland habitat. A "downland" is an open, grassy area, often on chalk hills.
This type of habitat used to be more common. However, much of it has disappeared across the country. This happened because of changes in how farms operate. So, places like Gallows Hill are now very rare and valuable. They help protect the plants and animals that need this specific environment to survive.
Rare Plants and Animals
Gallows Hill is known for several special species. In the grassy areas, you can find plants like Festuca ovina (sheep's fescue) and Avenula pratensis (meadow oat-grass). You might also see Brachypodium pinnatum (tor-grass).
One of the most exciting finds here is the Polyommatus bellargus (Adonis Blue) butterfly. This butterfly is nationally scarce, meaning it's rare across the whole country.
In the scrub areas, which are bushy parts of the site, you can find plants like Crataegus monogyna (common hawthorn) and Hedera helix (ivy). These plants provide shelter and food for many creatures.
History of Protection
Gallows Hill SSSI was first officially protected in 1965. This protection came under a law called the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The rules for its protection were updated in 1975. This shows that people have known for a long time how special and important this place is.
