Hodgemoor Wood facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Hodgemoor Wood

Site of Special Scientific Interest
Coppiced beech trees
Area of Search	Buckinghamshire
Interest	Biological
Area	102.6 hectares
Notification	1992
Location map	Magic Map

Hodgemoor Wood is a really special natural area called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Chalfont St Giles, a village in Buckinghamshire, England. It's part of the beautiful Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which means it's protected for its amazing scenery. Most of this wood is managed by the Forestry Commission, a group that looks after forests in the UK.

What Makes Hodgemoor Wood Special?

Hodgemoor Wood covers a huge area of about 102.6 hectares. That's like 250 football fields! It's known for its "semi-natural broad-leaved woodland," which means it's mostly made up of trees that grow naturally, like oak, beech, and hornbeam.

Unique Soil and Ancient Trees

The soil here is very unusual and varied. It has different types of clays, sands, and gravels all mixed together. This helps many different kinds of plants grow in the wood. Some parts of Hodgemoor Wood are "ancient woodland." This means they have been wooded for hundreds of years, with records going back to the 1200s! You can find old trees, some of which have been "coppiced." Coppicing is a traditional way of cutting trees to make them grow new shoots from the base.

Plants and Animals

Hodgemoor Wood is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. It's a great place for nature lovers!

Amazing Trees and Plants

The ground in the wood is covered with plants like Bracken and Bramble. In wetter areas, you might find different types of Sedge plants. These plants provide food and shelter for many creatures.

Wonderful Wildlife

Hodgemoor Wood is a fantastic place for butterflies. You might spot beautiful ones like the white admiral and the purple hairstreak. A very rare insect called the jewel beetle (specifically, the Agrilus pannonicus) has also been seen here. This beetle is nationally rare, meaning it's not found in many places in the country. The wood is also a home for a wide variety of birds that nest and raise their young here.

Exploring the Wood

Hodgemoor Wood is a great place to visit and explore. It has many paths and trails for different activities.

Paths and Trails

There are lots of wide tracks and "rides" (open paths) throughout the wood. You can enjoy walking trails and even cycling paths. It's a perfect spot for outdoor adventures.

How to Visit

You can easily get into the wood from Bottrells Lane. It's a wonderful place to spend time in nature, whether you're walking, cycling, or just enjoying the peace and quiet of the forest.