Helmdon Disused Railway facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Northamptonshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 16.6 hectares |
| Notification | 1990 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Helmdon Disused Railway is a really special place in Northamptonshire, England. It's known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because it's home to some amazing plants and animals. This area covers about 16.6 hectares, which is like 23 football fields! It stretches out between the villages of Helmdon and Brackley.
Contents
A Railway's New Life
This unique natural area was once part of the Great Central Railway. This railway line was very busy for many years, but it closed down in 1966. After the trains stopped running, nature slowly started to take over the old tracks and railway banks.
How the Land Changed
The land here used to be the railway's raised banks (called embankments) and dug-out sections (called cuttings). Over time, these areas have become a special type of grassland. The soil here is made of Jurassic limestone, which was dug up when the railway was built. This limestone soil helps many different kinds of plants grow.
Amazing Wildlife
Helmdon Disused Railway is a fantastic spot for wildlife, especially butterflies! The mix of plants and soil makes it a perfect home for many insects.
Butterflies Galore
You can find a wide variety of butterflies fluttering around here. Some of them are quite rare in the UK, like the wood white butterfly. There are also five other types of butterflies that are becoming less common across the country. This site is the only place in all of Northamptonshire where you can find the tiny small blue butterfly. It's a very important home for these beautiful insects.
Visiting the Site
Even though it's a special protected area, you can still visit Helmdon Disused Railway.
Public Footpath Access
A public footpath runs right along the site. This means you can walk or cycle along the old railway line and enjoy the nature around you. It's a great way to explore and see the plants and butterflies up close.
The Future of the Area
The new HS2 High Speed railway line is being built and will cross the southern part of this special site.
