Hornsleasow Roughs facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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Example - Burnt orchid (Orchis ustulata)
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| Area of Search | Gloucestershire |
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| Coordinates | 51°59′22″N 1°49′49″W / 51.989481°N 1.830298°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 28.24 hectare |
| Notification | 1954 |
Hornsleasow Roughs is a special natural area in Gloucestershire, England. It's about 28.24-hectare (69.8-acre) (that's like 70 football fields!). This place was officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1954. This means it's super important for its plants and animals. It's also known as a Key Wildlife Site, showing how valuable it is for nature.
Exploring Hornsleasow Roughs
This amazing place is found in the Cotswolds, a beautiful area known for its rolling hills. Hornsleasow Roughs is nationally important because it has special Jurassic limestone grassland. This type of grassland is very old and supports many rare plants. Most of the area sits on top of old limestone quarries, which makes the ground uneven and interesting.
Wonderful Wildflowers
The grassland here is very natural and hasn't been changed by farming. It looks different depending on how deep the soil is, how steep the ground is, and which way it faces. Sheep or cattle often graze here, which helps keep the grassland healthy for the plants.
Rare Plants and Orchids
Hornsleasow Roughs is home to some truly rare plants. You might find the perfoliate pennycress, which is very uncommon in the country. Other special plants include Curtis' mouse-ear, early gentian, and field fleawort. One of the most exciting finds is the beautiful burnt orchid. Experts from Natural England have even noted all the different types of orchids you can expect to see here.
Amazing Insects
This site is also a fantastic spot for butterflies! Many different kinds of butterflies live here. One of the species you might spot is the pretty green hairstreak butterfly. These tiny creatures help show how healthy and diverse the environment is at Hornsleasow Roughs.
