Little Heath, near Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire facts for kids
Little Heath is a lovely area of woodland with some houses, found just south of a village called Potten End in Hertfordshire, England. It's a peaceful spot that's part of the wider Ashridge estate and is looked after by the National Trust.
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What Makes Little Heath Special?
Little Heath is unique because it sits right on top of the Chiltern Hills plateau. This means it's a high, flat area. What's really cool is that it has special rock layers, called geological beds, that you can't find easily anywhere else. These layers show us what the Earth was like a very long time ago!
Ancient History in the Rocks
The rocks at Little Heath tell a story of ancient times. They show signs of being formed when the area was once a coast! Because of this amazing history, Little Heath has been named a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This is a special title given to places that have very important natural features, like unique geology. You can learn even more about this at Little Heath Pit.
Exploring the Woods
Little Heath is mostly covered in thick woods. As you walk through them, you might notice many deep holes in the ground. These are called 'dells'. They aren't natural caves, but are actually old pits where people dug for gravel. This gravel was very important during World War I (also known as World War 1), when it was used to fill sandbags for protection.
Life in Little Heath
Even though it's mostly woodland, Little Heath also has some nice houses scattered around. There's even a tea room where you can grab a snack, and a small plant nursery if you're looking for something green to take home.
A Glimpse of History: World War 2 Defenses
If you explore Bullbeggers Lane, which is on the southwest side of the woods, you might spot two interesting concrete blocks. These are called anti-tank bollards. They were put there during World War II to help stop enemy tanks from moving through the area. They are a cool reminder of history right in the woods!
