Long Lye facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
| Area of Search | Somerset |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 50°54′16″N 3°02′48″W / 50.90457°N 3.04667°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 11.7 hectares (0.117 km2; 0.045 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1988 |
Long Lye is a special natural area in Somerset, England. It covers about 11.7 hectares (29 acres) of land. This site is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It was given this important title in 1988 because of its unique wildlife and habitats.
Long Lye is located near Buckland St Mary in the beautiful Blackdown Hills. It is a very important place for nature.
Contents
What Makes Long Lye Special?
Long Lye is a rare type of grassland. It is called a "neutral grassland." This kind of grassland used to be common in lowland Britain. However, it has become very rare today. This is mainly because of modern farming methods. These methods often change the land too much.
A Home for Many Species
The way Long Lye is managed helps many different plants and animals. It has been cared for using traditional methods for a long time. This helps keep the natural balance. Besides grasslands, Long Lye also has other important habitats.
Diverse Plant Life
You can find mature broadleaved woodland here. This means there are many different kinds of trees with wide leaves. There are also "wet flush communities." These are areas where water flows close to the surface. This creates a special, damp environment. All these different areas make Long Lye a very diverse place. Many different plants can grow here.
Butterflies of Long Lye
Long Lye is a fantastic place for butterflies. Scientists have recorded fifteen different types of butterflies living here. This shows how healthy and rich the environment is.
Notable Butterfly Species
Some of the special butterflies you might see include:
- The silver-washed fritillary (Argynnis paphia). A special type of this butterfly, called the valenzia form, has been found here.
- The purple hairstreak (Quercusia quercus). This butterfly often lives high up in oak trees.
- The marbled white (Melanargia galathea). This butterfly has a beautiful black and white pattern on its wings.
Protecting Long Lye
Even though Long Lye is a protected SSSI, it has faced challenges.
Threats to the Habitat
In the past, Long Lye and the nearby Long Lye Meadow were at risk. There was a plan to make the A303 road wider. This would have meant building closer to or even on parts of these special natural areas. Protecting places like Long Lye is very important. It helps to save rare habitats and the animals that live there.
