Littleworth Common facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
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| Area of Search | Buckinghamshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 16.1 hectares |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Littleworth Common is a very special natural area located west of Farnham Common in Buckinghamshire, England. It covers about 16.1 hectares, which is roughly the size of 40 football fields! This area is protected as a "Site of Special Scientific Interest" (SSSI) because it is home to unique plants and animals. It is also "Common land," meaning it's owned by the local council, South Bucks District Council, and often open for people to enjoy.
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What Makes Littleworth Common Special?
Littleworth Common was once an open area called heathland. Heathlands are wild places with low-growing plants like heather. Over time, much of this heathland has changed into a forest with birch and oak trees. But don't worry, some parts of the original heathland are still there!
Amazing Plants and Habitats
Even though many trees have grown, Littleworth Common still has important natural areas. You can find small parts of "acid heathland," which are special because of their soil. There are also marshy areas and two big ponds. These wet places are home to some very unusual plants.
One of the most exciting plants found here is the starfruit. This plant is nationally rare, meaning it's very hard to find anywhere else in the country! The wet areas also have lots of "bog mosses," which are a type of moss that loves damp, spongy ground. These mosses help create a unique environment for other plants and creatures.
Wildlife at Littleworth Common
Littleworth Common is not just for plants; it's also a home for interesting insects. One of these is the Purple hairstreak butterfly. These beautiful butterflies are known for their purple wings. Their caterpillars, which are the young stage of the butterfly, love to eat the leaves of oak trees. Since there are many oak trees at Littleworth Common, it's a great place for these butterflies to live and grow.
Visiting Littleworth Common
If you want to explore Littleworth Common, you can find ways to get in from Boveney Wood Lane and Little Road. It's a wonderful place to see nature and learn about different plants and animals that need our protection. Remember to respect the environment and keep it clean for everyone to enjoy.
 | Isaac Myers |
 | D. Hamilton Jackson |
 | A. Philip Randolph |
