Lardon Chase facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 14.9 hectares (37 acres) |
| Notification | 1983 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Lardon Chase is a beautiful natural area in Streatley, Berkshire, England. It covers about 14.9 hectares, which is roughly the size of 37 football fields! This special place is part of the North Wessex Downs, an area known for its amazing natural beauty.
Lardon Chase is managed by the National Trust, a charity that helps protect important historic and natural places across the country. It's also connected to two other nearby sites called The Holies and Lough Down, forming a larger protected area.
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What Makes Lardon Chase Special?
Lardon Chase is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a very important place for nature and wildlife. The government protects these sites because they have rare plants, animals, or unique geological features.
A Home for Rare Grassland
This area is located on the Berkshire Downs and features a special type of chalk grassland. This grassland is "unimproved," meaning it hasn't been ploughed or treated with chemicals. This allows many different kinds of wild plants and flowers to grow.
The soil here is quite thin, especially on the steeper slopes. This makes it a perfect place for certain types of plants that thrive in these conditions.
Amazing Wildlife at Lardon Chase
Lardon Chase is a fantastic spot for wildlife, especially for butterflies! The thin soils and chalk grassland create the perfect home for many insect species.
Butterflies of Lardon Chase
You can find many beautiful butterflies fluttering around Lardon Chase. Some common ones include the chalkhill blue and the marbled white.
Even more exciting, Lardon Chase is the last known place in Berkshire where you can find the rare adonis blue butterfly. This makes the site incredibly important for protecting this special insect.
Rabbits and the Landscape
The steep areas with thin soils are often grazed by rabbits. These small animals help keep the grass short, which is important for maintaining the chalk grassland habitat. Their grazing helps different plant species grow and prevents the area from becoming overgrown with bushes.
Visiting Lardon Chase
If you want to explore Lardon Chase, you can find access from Streatley Hill. It's a great place to enjoy nature, see beautiful views, and maybe even spot some of the rare butterflies!
