Kingscote and Horsley Woods facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Kingscote Wood with wild garlic ground flora
|
|
| Area of Search | Gloucestershire |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°40′22″N 2°14′42″W / 51.672865°N 2.245065°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 43.79 hectare |
| Notification | 1966 |
Kingscote and Horsley Woods is a very special place in Gloucestershire, England. It covers about 44 hectares, which is like 100 football fields! This area is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it has important plants, animals, or geology that needs protecting. The site was officially recognized as an SSSI in 1966. It is also listed as a Key Wildlife Site (KWS) in the local plan for the Cotswold District.
Contents
Where are Kingscote and Horsley Woods?
These woods are found in the beautiful Cotswolds. The Cotswolds is a famous area in England. It is also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This means its landscape, wildlife, and cultural heritage are protected.
The Kingscote and Horsley Woods area is made up of four main parts. These are Kingscote, Horsley, Sandgrove, and Fishponds woods. Each part adds to the overall natural importance of the site.
What Kind of Woodland is Here?
This SSSI is a great example of an ancient Beech woodland. Ancient woodlands have been around for a very long time. They are important for many different types of plants and animals. This kind of woodland grows on the Jurassic limestone rock found in the west Cotswolds.
Trees You Can Find
Kingscote, Horsley, and Sandgrove woods are quite similar. They are mostly made up of Beech trees. You can also find some Ash and Oak trees growing here.
Plants on the Ground
The lower layer of plants, called the understorey, includes Hazel and Hawthorn. These plants are like shrubs that grow beneath the taller trees.
The ground is also covered with many beautiful flowers. You might see Bluebells, which create a stunning blue carpet in spring. Other plants include Wood Garlic, Wood Anemone, and Dog's Mercury.
Fishponds Wood
Fishponds Wood is a bit different from the others. As its name suggests, it has a pond area. This part of the woodland has grown back after being cut down in the past. Here, you can find plants like Small Teasel.
