Hartslock facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Hartslock

Site of Special Scientific Interest
Area of Search	Oxfordshire
Interest	Biological
Area	41.8 hectares (103 acres)
Notification	1986
Location map	Magic Map

Hartslock is a special natural area in Oxfordshire, England. It covers about 41.8 hectares (103 acres), which is like 60 football fields! This beautiful place is south-east of Goring-on-Thames. It's officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its amazing plants and animals.

Part of Hartslock, about 29.4 hectares (73 acres), is also a Special Area of Conservation. This means it's important for protecting nature across Europe. A smaller part, about 10 hectares (25 acres), is a nature reserve. This reserve is looked after by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust. They work hard to keep it safe for wildlife.

Discovering Hartslock

Hartslock is located on the east side of the River Thames. It has many different types of natural places to explore. These include chalk grasslands, old yew forests, and other woodlands. You can also find riverside areas and bushy scrubland here. Each part offers a home to different kinds of plants and animals.

Amazing Habitats

Hartslock is famous for its diverse habitats. These are like different neighborhoods for nature.

Chalk Downland

The chalk downland is a grassy area on chalky soil. This type of soil is special because it helps unique wildflowers grow. Many rare orchids, like the Monkey Orchid and Lady Orchid, can be found here. These flowers are very beautiful and important to protect.

Ancient Woodlands

Hartslock also has very old woodlands. One part, Hartslock Wood, is especially old. It was even noted in 1915 by Charles Rothschild. He was a very important person who helped start the Wildlife Trusts. He thought this wood was so special it needed to be saved. The wood has many types of trees, including tall beech trees and ancient yew trees.

Riverside Fen and Scrub

Near the River Thames, you'll find riverside fen and scrub areas. Fens are wet, marshy lands that are home to water-loving plants. Scrub is an area with lots of bushes and small trees. These different areas provide shelter and food for many creatures.

Wildlife at Hartslock

Hartslock is a busy place for wildlife. It's home to many different animals.

Badgers

One of the most well-known animals living here is the badger. There is a large group of badgers that call Hartslock Wood their home. Badgers are shy, nocturnal animals. They live in underground tunnels called setts.

Rare Orchids

As mentioned, the chalk downland is famous for its rare orchids. These include the Monkey Orchid and the Lady Orchid. Sometimes, these two types of orchids even create a special hybrid orchid. This makes Hartslock a very important place for plant lovers.

Protecting Hartslock

Hartslock became a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1986. This official title helps protect the area. The Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust manages a large part of Hartslock. They work to keep the habitats healthy and safe for all the plants and animals that live there. Their work helps ensure that future generations can also enjoy this wonderful natural space.

Images for kids

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  Hartslock nature reserve grassland with orchids

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  Monkey Orchid at Hartslock

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  Lady Orchid at Hartslock

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  Hybrid Orchid at Hartslock

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  The Thames Path in Hartslock Woods