House Copse facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | West Sussex |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 12.5 hectares (31 acres) |
| Notification | 1983 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
House Copse is a special natural area located west of Crawley in West Sussex, England. It covers about 12.5 hectares, which is roughly the size of 25 football fields! This area is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its important plant life.
Contents
What is House Copse?
House Copse is a very old woodland that has been recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest since 1983. This means it's a protected area where nature is thriving, and it's important to keep it safe for future generations. These sites are chosen because they have rare wildlife, special plants, or unique natural features.
A Look Inside the Wood
This ancient wood is home to many different types of trees and plants. It was once managed in a special way to help certain trees grow.
Trees and How They Grew
In the past, House Copse was managed using a method called "coppice with standards." This means that some trees, like hornbeam and small-leaved lime, were regularly cut close to the ground. This made them grow back with many new stems. Other trees, like oak, were left to grow tall and strong. This way of managing the wood helped different plants and animals to live there.
Plants on the Ground
In some parts of the wood where it's very shady, not many plants grow on the ground. However, along the banks of a stream that runs through House Copse, you can find a wider variety of plants. These include dog’s mercury, wood avens, bugle, and enchanter’s nightshade. These plants add to the rich natural environment of the wood.
Visiting House Copse
It's important to know that House Copse is on private land. This means there is no public access to the site. It's a place where nature can thrive undisturbed.
