Lavington Common facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | West Sussex |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 31.2 hectares (77 acres) |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Lavington Common is a special natural area in West Sussex, England. It covers about 31.2 hectares (77 acres), which is roughly the size of 77 football fields! This important place is protected because of its unique plants and animals. It is also looked after by the National Trust, a charity that helps preserve special places for everyone to enjoy.
What Makes Lavington Common Special?
Lavington Common is known as a "Site of Special Scientific Interest," or SSSI for short. This means it's a very important area for wildlife and nature. Scientists have found that it has special plants, animals, or unique natural features that need protecting. The common was officially recognized as an SSSI in 1985.
A Mix of Natural Homes
Lavington Common is home to several different types of natural environments, called habitats. These different habitats create homes for many kinds of plants and animals.
- Wet and Dry Heath: Heathland is an open area with small shrubs like heather. Some parts of Lavington Common are wet, and others are dry. This mix creates different homes for various creatures.
- Acid Grassland: This is a type of grassland that grows on acidic soil. Special grasses and wildflowers can grow here, providing food and shelter for insects.
- Woodland: There are also areas of woodland with many trees. These woods provide shade and a different kind of habitat for animals and plants.
Amazing Animals and Plants
Lavington Common is full of life! It's especially famous for its many small creatures.
- Invertebrates: The site has a rich community of invertebrates. These are animals without a backbone, like insects, worms, and spiders.
- Spiders: Many different types of spiders live here, making it a great place for spider enthusiasts! They play an important role in the ecosystem by eating insects.
The trees and plants also make the common special:
- Common Trees: In the woodland areas, you'll find trees like silver birch, downy birch, and oak. These trees provide homes and food for many animals.
- Shrubs: The lower layer of plants, called the shrub layer, is mostly made up of bracken and bramble. These plants can grow quite thick and provide cover for wildlife.
Lavington Common is a wonderful example of how different habitats can exist together, supporting a wide variety of plants and animals. It's a great place to learn about nature and see how important it is to protect these special areas.
