Kennet Valley Alderwoods facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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|
| Area of Search | Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 57.3 hectares (142 acres) |
| Notification | 1997 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Kennet Valley Alderwoods is a very special natural area located west of Newbury in Berkshire, England. It covers about 57.3 hectares, which is like 141 football fields! This area is protected because it is home to unique woodlands and many different plants. It is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and also a Special Area of Conservation.
Contents
Kennet Valley Alderwoods: A Special Place
What Makes This Place Special?
Kennet Valley Alderwoods is super important because it has some of the biggest remaining damp woodlands in the River Kennet floodplain. These woodlands are called "ash-alder" woodlands because of the main types of trees that grow there. The site includes two main parts: the Wilderness and a section of Ryott's Plantation.
These woods are very important for nature. They support a huge variety of plants that love this kind of damp woodland. The area was officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1997. This means it is protected by law because of its special wildlife and geology.
Trees and Plants You Might Find
The most common tree you will see here is the Alder (Alnus glutinosa). It loves wet ground, which is perfect for a floodplain. You will also find lots of Ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior). Sometimes, you might spot an Oak (Quercus robur) or a Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra).
Besides the taller trees, these woods are home to many smaller plants. They also have a wide range of tiny plants called bryophytes. Bryophytes are like mosses and liverworts. Some of these bryophytes are quite rare. For example, you can find Radula complanata, Zygodon viridissimus, and Orthotrichum affine. These special plants often grow on other plants, like tree trunks, and are called epiphytes.
Protecting This Important Area
Because Kennet Valley Alderwoods is such a special place, it is carefully protected. It is private land, which means there is no public access for visitors. This helps to keep the natural environment undisturbed and safe for all the unique plants and animals that live there.
