Knebworth Woods facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Hertfordshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 120.8 hectares |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Knebworth Woods is a very special forest in Knebworth, Hertfordshire, England. It's located just south of a town called Stevenage. This woodland covers a large area of 120.8 hectares, which is about the size of 300 football fields!
It's known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a protected area because it has rare plants, animals, or important natural features. The government wants to make sure places like Knebworth Woods stay healthy and safe for nature.
A Special Ancient Woodland
Knebworth Woods is a very old forest. It has been around for a long, long time, which makes it an "ancient woodland." This means it has a rich history and a wide variety of living things.
Experts from an organization called Natural England say it's a super important woodland. It grows on soil that holds a lot of water, which is perfect for certain kinds of plants. The main trees you'll see here are strong oak trees and tall hornbeam trees.
Amazing Plants and Animals
This woodland is full of life! The ponds in Knebworth Woods have some unusual plants that you might not find in many other places. The forest floor is also home to many different types of fungi (like mushrooms) and bryophytes. Bryophytes are tiny, simple plants like mosses and liverworts that love damp places.
If you visit, you might even hear the beautiful song of nightingale birds. These birds are known for their amazing singing, especially at night. In one part of the woods called Watery Grove, people have also seen the stunning purple emperor butterfly. These butterflies are quite rare and have a beautiful purple shimmer on their wings.
Visiting Knebworth Woods
You can explore parts of Knebworth Woods! There's a public footpath that lets you walk through this amazing natural area. This path is a continuation of Chadwell Road, making it easy to find. It's a great place to enjoy nature and see some of the special plants and animals that call this ancient woodland home.
