Knightsbridge Lane facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Oxfordshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 1.7 hectares (4.2 acres) |
| Notification | 1987 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Knightsbridge Lane is a special natural area located just north of Watlington, Oxfordshire, in England. It's officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a protected place because it has very important plants, animals, or geological features. Knightsbridge Lane SSSI covers about 1.7 hectares, which is roughly the size of four football fields! It was first recognized as a special site in 1987.
Contents
Knightsbridge Lane: A Special Place for Nature
What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest?
A Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI (pronounced "S-S-S-I"), is a protected area in the United Kingdom. These sites are chosen because they have some of the best examples of Britain's wildlife, geology, or landforms. Protecting them helps make sure these important natural places can thrive for many years to come. It's like having a national treasure, but for nature!
Home to a Rare Plant
Knightsbridge Lane SSSI is mostly made up of woodland that grows along the sides of a small road. This woodland is super important because it's home to a very rare plant called the green hound's tongue. In fact, about one-tenth of all the green hound's tongue plants in the entire country live right here!
Meet the Green Hound's Tongue
The green hound's tongue is a type of vascular plant. These are plants that have special tissues to carry water and nutrients, like trees and flowers. This particular plant is so rare that it's listed in the British Red Data Book. This book keeps track of plants and animals that are in danger of disappearing.
The green hound's tongue is found in only seven other places in all of Britain. It often grows in soil that has been disturbed, like areas where trees have been cleared. Scientists think that the number of these plants might have increased here after some dead elm trees were removed from the area. This shows how changes in the environment can sometimes help rare species.
