Levin Down facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | West Sussex |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 25.6 hectares (63 acres) |
| Notification | 1987 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Levin Down is a special natural area in West Sussex, England. It covers about 25.6 hectares, which is roughly the size of 35 football fields! This place is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because it's home to unique plants and habitats. The Sussex Wildlife Trust helps to look after Levin Down, making sure its natural beauty and wildlife are protected for everyone to enjoy.
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What Makes Levin Down Special?
Levin Down is a fantastic example of two important habitats: chalk grassland and heathland. These types of land are found on the slopes of the South Downs, a range of hills in southern England.
Chalk Grassland: A Home for Rare Plants
The chalk grassland at Levin Down grows on chalky soil. This soil is very good for many different kinds of plants. You can find a rich variety of wildflowers here, especially during spring and summer.
Some of the amazing plants that grow in this area include:
- Autumn gentian: A beautiful purple flower that blooms in the autumn.
- Salad burnet: A plant with small, reddish-brown flowers and leaves that taste a bit like cucumber.
- Round-headed rampion: This plant has a distinctive round cluster of blue-purple flowers.
- Autumn lady’s tresses: A delicate orchid with tiny white flowers that spiral up its stem.
- Eyebright: A small plant with white or purple flowers, often used in traditional medicine.
- Glaucous sedge: A type of grass-like plant with a blue-green color.
- Quaking grass: This grass has seed heads that tremble or "quake" in the slightest breeze.
These plants are important because they support many insects, like butterflies and bees, which then become food for birds and other animals.
Heathland: A Different Kind of Habitat
Besides chalk grassland, Levin Down also has areas of heathland. Heathland is a type of open land with low-growing shrubs like heather. This habitat is also very important for different kinds of wildlife, including insects and birds that prefer these open, shrubby areas.
Visiting Levin Down
If you want to explore Levin Down, there's a footpath that leads to it from a nearby village called Charlton. It's a great place to go for a walk, enjoy nature, and see some of the unique plants and animals that call this special place home. Remember to stay on the paths and respect the wildlife when you visit.
