Gamlingay Wood facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Cambridgeshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 48.4 hectares |
| Notification | 1983 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Gamlingay Wood is a special forest found in Cambridgeshire, England. It covers about 48.4 hectares, which is like 120 football fields! This wood is a protected area because it's very important for nature. It's looked after by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, a group that works to keep wild places safe.
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Discover Gamlingay Wood
Gamlingay Wood is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a place the government has chosen to protect because of its rare plants, animals, or geology. It was officially recognized as an SSSI in 1983.
An Ancient Forest
This wood is very old, with trees like ash and maple. It grows on a special type of soil called sandy loam. This kind of soil is not common in lowland England, making Gamlingay Wood a unique home for many living things.
Plants and Animals
Gamlingay Wood is full of life! You can find many different plants growing on the ground. These include dog's mercury, yellow archangel, and wood anemone. A very special flower here is the oxlip, which is rare and only grows in a few places in the country.
The different types of soil in the wood help many kinds of plants to grow. There are also hundreds of different mushrooms and toadstools to discover.
Many birds make their home in Gamlingay Wood. You might spot barn owls flying silently at night. Other birds like garden warblers and blue tits can be seen and heard during the day.
Protecting the Wood
The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire helps manage Gamlingay Wood. They work to keep the forest healthy and safe for all its plants and animals. The larger area managed by the Wildlife Trust is about 70 hectares. This includes another part called Sugley Wood, which is also important but not part of the SSSI.
Visiting Gamlingay Wood
You can visit Gamlingay Wood to explore its natural beauty. There are ways to get there from Gamlingay Road. You can also walk to the wood using a footpath that starts from Gamlingay village. It's a great place for a walk and to enjoy nature.
