Inkpen Crocus Field facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Inkpen Crocus Fields

Site of Special Scientific Interest
Area of Search	Berkshire
Interest	Biological
Area	3.1 hectares (7.7 acres)
Notification	1986
Location map	Magic Map

Inkpen Crocus Fields is a special place in Berkshire, England. It's a 3.1 hectare (about 7.7 acres) area of land that's protected because of its amazing plants and animals. It's called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is looked after by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust.

What Makes This Place Special?

Inkpen Crocus Fields is an old pasture, which means it's a field where animals have grazed for a long time. It has never been ploughed or treated with strong fertilisers. This helps keep the soil natural and healthy for many different plants.

Farmers let Dexter cattle graze here in summer and autumn. This is important because the cows eat the tall, tough grasses. This stops these grasses from taking over and helps the beautiful wildflowers and orchids grow better.

The field gently slopes down to a stream that's fed by a natural spring. Beyond the stream, the land rises again, becoming a lovely meadow. Along the edge of the pasture, an old hedgerow provides food and a safe home for many birds.

The History of Inkpen Crocus Fields

Records from Inkpen parish show that crocuses have been growing here for at least 200 years. There's a local story that says Crusaders, who were knights from the 12th century, brought the crocuses back from Europe. They might have used them as a source of saffron to flavour food.

In 1986, this site was officially named a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It was given this special protection not because of the crocuses, as they are not native to the area. Instead, it was protected because of its rich and diverse meadowland, which is home to many different native plant species.

Animals of Inkpen Crocus Fields

This special area is home to various animals, from birds to insects.

Birds You Might See

• Dunnock
• Song thrush
• Eurasian blackcap
• Common chiffchaff
• Lesser whitethroat
• Willow warbler
• Northern lapwing

Mammals Living Here

• Dexter cattle (these are the cows that help manage the field)

Insects and Other Invertebrates

• Buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris)

Plants of Inkpen Crocus Fields

The site is famous for its wide variety of plants, especially the beautiful wildflowers that thrive in its untouched meadowland.