Lancing Ring facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lancing Ring |
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Type | Local Nature Reserve |
Location | Lancing, West Sussex |
OS grid | TQ 182 062 |
Area | 29.4 hectares (73 acres) |
Lancing Ring is a special place in Lancing, West Sussex. It's a large area, about 29.4 hectares (that's like 72 football fields!), and it's called a Local Nature Reserve. This means it's protected so that nature can thrive there.
Adur District Council owns and looks after Lancing Ring. They work to keep it a wonderful home for many plants and animals, and a great spot for people to visit and explore.
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Discover Lancing Ring
Lancing Ring is a beautiful mix of different natural areas. You'll find open chalk grassland here, which is a type of grassy land that grows on chalky soil. It's also home to deciduous woodland, which means forests where trees lose their leaves in autumn.
Amazing Animals and Plants
This nature reserve is a fantastic place to spot wildlife!
- Butterflies: Many different kinds of butterflies flutter around the chalk grassland, enjoying the sunshine and flowers.
- Adders: These are a type of snake that can be found here. They are shy and usually try to avoid people.
- Common Lizards: Look closely and you might see these small, quick lizards sunbathing on rocks or paths.
In the woodlands, you'll discover beautiful wild flowers. One special flower you might see is the Early purple orchid, known for its lovely purple blooms.
What is a Dew Pond?
One of the most interesting features at Lancing Ring is its Dew pond. This is a special pond that collects water mainly from mist and dew, especially during cool nights. It's a vital water source for many creatures.
The dew pond is a busy habitat for water-loving animals:
- Dragonflies: You can often see dragonflies, like the Broad-bodied Chaser, zipping over the water.
- Newts: Many newts, which are small amphibians, live in the pond. They look a bit like lizards but live in water for part of their lives.
Getting There
It's easy to visit Lancing Ring! There are a couple of ways to get there:
- You can access the main car park from Mill Road.
- Another parking area is on Halewick Lane, right next to a children's play area at the bottom of the hill.
Helping Hands
A group of dedicated volunteers, called The Friends Of Lancing Ring, helps Adur District Council look after this special place. They work hard to manage the land and protect its wildlife. You can learn more about their work on their website: Friends Of Lancing Ring.