Hollowhill and Pullingshill Woods facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Hollowhill and Pullingshill Woods

Site of Special Scientific Interest
Area of Search	Buckinghamshire
Interest	Biological
Area	23.0 hectares
Notification	1984
Location map	Magic Map

Hollowhill and Pullingshill Woods is a very special natural area in Buckinghamshire, England. It covers about 23 hectares, which is like 23 football fields! This area is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's protected because of its unique plants, animals, or geology.

The woods are located near Marlow and are part of the beautiful Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. They are also part of the Chilterns Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation, which helps protect important habitats across Europe.

What Makes These Woods Special?

Hollowhill and Pullingshill Woods are important because they are home to many different kinds of plants and trees. A big part of the woods is filled with old beech trees. These trees have grown tall and strong over many years.

Unique Plants and Trees

Even though much of the ground under the trees might look bare, there are some very rare and interesting plants here. One of the most exciting finds is the ghost orchid (Epipogium aphyllum). This orchid is super rare in the UK! It's called a "ghost" orchid because it's pale and can be hard to spot.

Other trees you can find on the lower parts of the woods include:

• Ash trees
• Wild cherry trees
• Crab apple trees

In areas that are more open and sunny, you might also see heather growing. Heather is a beautiful plant that often grows in heathlands and woodlands.

How the Woods Are Managed

These woods are cared for by different groups to make sure they stay healthy and protected.

• Pullingshill Wood is owned by the Woodland Trust. This charity works to protect and restore woodlands across the UK.
• Hollowhill Wood used to be owned by Buckinghamshire County Council. But in 2015, it was taken over by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust. This trust helps manage and protect wildlife and wild places.

Since November 2015, the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust has been managing a 7.8-hectare part of the site. They call this area "Hog and Hollowhill Woods." Their work helps to look after the rare plants and the overall health of the forest.

Visiting the Woods

If you want to visit Hollowhill and Pullingshill Woods, you can find access from a road. This road runs between two places called Bockmer End and Hook Corner. It actually goes right through the middle of the woods, making it easy to explore.