Hook Meadow and The Trap Grounds facts for kids
Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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Area of Search | Oxfordshire |
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Interest | Biological |
Area | 11.9 hectares (29 acres) |
Notification | 1986 |
Location map | Magic Map |
Hook Meadow and The Trap Grounds is a special natural area near Oxford in Oxfordshire, England. It covers about 11.9-hectare (29-acre) of land. This site is officially called a Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI for short. This means it's a very important place for wildlife and nature.
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What Makes This Place Special?
Hook Meadow and The Trap Grounds are made up of natural meadows. These meadows haven't been changed much by farming or building. They are in the River Thames floodplain, which means they are in a low area next to the river. Because of this, the land often gets wet and doesn't drain water very well.
The Unique Soil
The soil here is a type of clay that contains a lot of calcium carbonate, like chalk. This kind of soil, combined with the wet conditions, creates a perfect home for certain plants. The southern part of the site is the wettest.
Amazing Wetland Plants
Because the land is so wet, many special plants that love water grow here. These are called wetland species. You can find plants like:
- Sharp-flowered rush
- Marsh arrow grass
- Common spike-rush
- Early marsh orchid
These plants are important parts of the ecosystem at Hook Meadow and The Trap Grounds.
Visiting Hook Meadow and The Trap Grounds
It's important to know that Hook Meadow and The Trap Grounds is private land. This means there is no public access for visitors. It's a protected area where nature can thrive without disturbance.