Lineover Wood facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Lineover Woods – Dowdeswell Woods beyond on the left
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| Area of Search | Gloucestershire |
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| Coordinates | 51°52′02″N 2°01′10″W / 51.867326°N 2.01956°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 20.3 hectare |
| Notification | 1986 |
Lineover Wood is a special forest in Gloucestershire, England. It covers about 20.3 hectares, which is like 20 large football fields! This area was officially recognized in 1986 as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a very important place for nature, protected by law because of its unique plants, animals, or geology.
The Woodland Trust, a charity that protects forests, owns and looks after Lineover Wood. It's close to the towns of Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, and Dowdeswell. A famous walking path, the Cotswold Way National Trail, goes right through the wood. It's a great spot for hikers and nature lovers!
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Where is Lineover Wood?
Lineover Wood is located in the beautiful Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Imagine a steep hillside facing north – that's where you'll find this wood! The ground here is made of limestone from a layer called the Inferior Oolite, and also clays and sands from the Upper Lias layer.
This protected area is part of a bigger forest. Some parts of the forest have been replanted with different types of trees, both evergreen (conifers) and leafy trees (broad-leaved species). You can also find wet, boggy spots and a natural spring in the northern part of the wood.
Trees and Plants in the Wood
Lineover Wood is a great example of an ancient semi-natural coppice woodland. This type of forest was once very common in the Cotswolds. Many different kinds of trees grow here, including:
- Ash
- Pedunculate oak
- Whitebeam
- Small-leaved lime (a rare tree)
- Large-leaved lime (also very rare in the UK)
Underneath these taller trees, you'll find smaller shrubs and bushes. These include hazel, field maple, and hawthorn. In some areas, there are also special shrubs that love to grow in lime-rich soil.
Amazing Wildflowers
The steep slopes of Lineover Wood are home to many interesting plants. You might see common plants like bramble and dog's mercury. If you walk to the bottom of the slope, you could discover some rarer wildflowers such as:
- Meadow saffron
- Herb paris
Even rarer plants have been found here, like angular Solomon's seal and the beautiful lily-of-the-valley. It's like a hidden treasure chest of plants!
Wildlife in the Wood
Lineover Wood is a fantastic place for wildlife, especially insects. It's known for its many different kinds of beetles, including some that are quite uncommon.
The wood is also a haven for butterflies and moths. Many different species have been recorded here. One special butterfly you might spot is the pearl-bordered fritillary, which is known for its beautiful orange and black patterns.
