Langford Heathfield facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Somerset |
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| Coordinates | 51°00′14″N 3°17′03″W / 51.00382°N 3.28407°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 95.4 hectares (0.954 km2; 0.368 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1966 |
Langford Heathfield is a special natural area in Somerset, England. It covers about 95.4 hectares, which is like 235 football fields! This place is protected because it's home to many rare plants and animals. It was officially recognized as a "Site of Special Scientific Interest" (SSSI) in 1966. This means it's one of the best places in the country for wildlife.
The Somerset Wildlife Trust bought most of Langford Heathfield in 1982. Later, more parts like Coram’s Wood and Lucas’s Copse were added in 1985. Many groups helped buy this land. These included the World Wide Fund for Nature, the Countryside Agency, English Nature, and local councils like Taunton Deane Borough Council and Somerset County Council. The Royal Society for Nature Conservation also helped. Thanks to them, this amazing place is now safe for nature.
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What Makes Langford Heathfield Special?
Langford Heathfield has different types of natural areas. You can find wet, grassy fields and very old forests here. These different habitats make it a perfect home for many kinds of creatures. It's like a big, natural apartment building with different rooms for everyone!
Amazing Insects and Butterflies
This area is famous for its incredible collection of butterflies. Scientists have counted 26 different kinds of butterflies that live and breed here! Some of these are quite rare in Somerset. For example, you might see the beautiful marsh fritillary (Euphydryas aurina). There's also the high brown fritillary (Argynne cydippe) and the wood white (Leptidea sinapis). Another special one is the brown hairstreak (Thecla betulae).
Besides butterflies, other interesting insects live here too. There are some very local beetles like Mordellistena abdominalis and Ischnomera caerulea. You might also spot a hornet (Vespa crabro). These insects are an important part of the food chain and help keep the ecosystem healthy.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Langford Heathfield is also home to four types of reptiles. You might see an adder (Vipera berus), which is a type of snake. There are also grass snakes (Natrix natrix), which are harmless. Look out for the slow-worm (Anguis fragilis), which looks like a snake but is actually a legless lizard! The common lizard (Lacerta vivipara) also lives here.
In the ponds and wet areas, you can find amphibians. Palmate newts (Triturus helveticus) swim in the water. Common frogs (Rana temporaria) are also very common. These creatures need clean water and damp places to live and reproduce.
Birds of the Heathfield
Many different birds have been seen at Langford Heathfield. If you visit quietly, you might hear or spot some special ones. The nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) is known for its beautiful song. Another interesting bird is the grasshopper warbler (Locustella naevia). These birds rely on the diverse habitats of Langford Heathfield for food and shelter.
