Hales and Shadwell Woods facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Shadwell Wood
|
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| Area of Search | Essex |
|---|---|
| Grid reference | |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 15.4 hectares |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Hales and Shadwell Woods are two special woodlands located north-east of Saffron Walden in Essex, England. Together, they cover an area of 15.4 hectares, which is about the size of 38 football fields! These woods are protected because they are home to many important plants and animals.
Shadwell Wood, which is 7.1 hectares, is looked after by the Essex Wildlife Trust. This group works to protect wildlife and wild places. Hales Wood is even more special; it's a National Nature Reserve. This means it's one of the most important places for nature in the whole country. It's also listed in the Nature Conservation Review, which highlights the best wildlife sites.
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What Makes These Woods Special?
Hales and Shadwell Woods are considered "ancient woodlands." This means they have been covered by trees for at least 400 years, and often much longer! They are made up of wet ash and maple trees that have been managed using a method called "coppicing." Coppicing is when trees are cut back to ground level every few years. This helps new shoots grow and keeps the woodland healthy.
The ground beneath the trees is made of chalky boulder clay. This type of soil helps many different kinds of plants to grow.
Amazing Plants and Trees
The woods have a rich "shrub layer." This is the middle layer of plants, taller than small flowers but shorter than the main trees. You can find many different shrubs here, including:
- Wayfaring-trees, which have lovely white flowers and red berries.
- Guelder roses, known for their bright red berries.
- Spurge-laurel, an evergreen shrub with small, green flowers.
Special Flowers: Orchids and Oxlips
One of the most exciting things about these woods is the rare plants they protect. You might find the nationally uncommon oxlip flower here. Oxlips are beautiful pale yellow flowers that look a bit like primroses.
Shadwell Wood is especially famous for its orchids. Seven different types of orchids have been found growing there! Orchids are delicate and beautiful flowers, and finding so many different kinds in one place is very special. The wood also has "herb-rich grassy rides." These are open paths through the woods where many different kinds of wildflowers and herbs grow.
Visiting the Woods
If you want to explore these amazing woodlands, you can visit Shadwell Wood. There is a footpath that leads into the wood from Walden Road. It's a great place to see the special plants and enjoy nature. However, Hales Wood is a more sensitive area, and there is no public access to it. This helps to protect its very rare habitats and species.
