Great Thrift Wood facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 14.2 hectares (35 acres) |
| Notification | 1984 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Great Thrift Wood is a super special forest in Cox Green, Berkshire, England. It's about the size of 20 football fields (14.2 hectares)! This amazing place is known as a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI for short. This means it's protected because of its unique plants and trees.
The wood is a mix of different kinds of trees, including broadleaf trees (like oak and ash) and yew trees. It's located in a low-lying area, which helps create a perfect home for many different species.
Contents
Why Great Thrift Wood is Special
Great Thrift Wood was officially named a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1984. This special title means the area is really important for its wildlife and natural features. The government protects these sites to make sure their unique plants, animals, and habitats are safe for the future. It's like a national treasure for nature!
Amazing Plants and Trees
This woodland is home to a wide variety of plants and trees, some of which are quite rare or important for the local environment. Let's explore some of the cool flora you can find here.
Trees of the Wood
The trees here create a rich canopy and provide homes for many creatures. You can find:
- Birch trees, known for their papery bark.
- Ash trees, tall and strong.
- Salix cinerea, also known as grey willow.
- Quercus robur, the mighty English oak.
- Hazel trees, which produce tasty nuts.
- Alder trees, often found near water.
- Salix fragilis, or crack willow.
- Frangula alnus, known as alder buckthorn.
- Acer campestre, the field maple.
- Aspen trees, famous for their leaves that tremble in the slightest breeze.
- Sorbus torminalis, also called wild service-tree.
Wonderful Woodland Plants
Beneath the trees, a diverse collection of plants thrives, adding to the wood's beauty and ecological value. Some of these include:
- Rubus fruticosus, which is the common bramble.
- Circaea lutetiana, known as enchanter's nightshade.
- Wood anemone, a delicate spring flower.
- Orchis mascula, the early purple orchid.
- Lysimachia nemorum, or yellow pimpernel.
- Ranunculus auricomus, the goldilocks buttercup.
- Carex acutiformis, a type of sedge.
- Iris pseudacorus, the yellow flag iris.
- Common valerian, a plant with fragrant flowers.
- Lychnis flos-cuculi, also known as ragged-robin.
- Mentha aquatica, or water mint.
- Festuca gigantea, a tall fescue grass.
- Agropyron caninum, known as bearded couch.
