Ileden and Oxenden Woods facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Kent |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 86.4 hectares (213 acres) |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Ileden and Oxenden Woods is a special natural area in Kent, England. It covers about 86.4 hectares (that's like 213 football fields!). This area is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its amazing wildlife.
It's located south-east of Canterbury, near a village called Adisham. The woods are also part of the beautiful Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which means it's a protected landscape.
Contents
What Makes Ileden and Oxenden Woods Special?
Ileden and Oxenden Woods isn't just one big forest. It's actually made up of six different woods that are all connected. These are:
- Oxenden Wood
- Pitt Wood
- Woodlands Wood
- Boughtonland Wood
- Well Wood
- Ileden Wood
Each of these woods has slightly different types of soil. This helps create many different homes, or "habitats," for plants and animals.
A Home for Amazing Plants and Animals
The woods are a fantastic place for nature. They are home to many different kinds of birds. You might hear their songs as you walk through the trees.
Rare Orchids and Other Plants
The ground under the trees is full of interesting plants, known as "ground flora." Among these are two very rare types of orchids. These are the narrow-lipped helleborine and the lady orchid. They are considered "nationally rare" because they are not found in many other places in the country. Finding them here makes the woods extra special!
Exploring Ileden and Oxenden Woods
If you love nature and exploring, you're in luck! There are public footpaths that go right through these woods. This means you can walk along the trails and discover the beauty of Ileden and Oxenden Woods for yourself. It's a great way to see the diverse plants and maybe even spot some of the birds that live there.
