Godmanchester Eastside Common facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Medieval ridge and furrow on Godmanchester Eastside Common
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| Area of Search | Cambridgeshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 29.7 hectares |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Godmanchester Eastside Common is a special place in Cambridgeshire, England. It's known as a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest' (SSSI) because it has unique plants and habitats that are important to protect. This common land covers about 29.7 hectares, which is like 70 football fields!
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Godmanchester Eastside Common: A Natural Treasure
Godmanchester Eastside Common was officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1986. This means it's a very important area for nature and wildlife. It's also 'common land,' which historically meant local people could use it for things like grazing animals.
What Makes This Place Special?
The common is divided into two main fields. An old, unused railway line runs between them. These fields have very special types of soil. One is called 'calcareous loam,' which is a mix of chalky soil and clay. The other is 'calcareous clay,' which is mostly chalky clay. These soils are quite rare and help many different kinds of grasses grow here.
Unique Soils and Plants
Because of its unusual soils, Godmanchester Eastside Common is home to many different grass species. You can find grasses like crested hair-grass and meadow oat grass growing here. These plants are important for the local ecosystem and the animals that live there.
Clues from the Past: Medieval Farming
If you visit the southern field of the common, you might notice some wavy lines on the ground. These are called 'ridge and furrow.' They are old marks left by medieval farmers! Hundreds of years ago, farmers used a special way of plowing that created these ridges and furrows. It's a cool way to see history right under your feet.
Visiting Godmanchester Eastside Common
You can visit Godmanchester Eastside Common from Common Lane. It's a great place to explore nature and see some of the unique plants and historical features. Remember to respect the natural environment and keep it clean for everyone to enjoy.
