Longleat Woods facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Somerset |
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| Coordinates | 51°11′25″N 2°17′41″W / 51.19035°N 2.29472°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 249.9 hectares (2.499 km2; 0.965 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1972 |
Longleat Woods is a very special natural area in Somerset, England. It covers about 250 hectares, which is like 600 football fields! This amazing place was officially recognized in 1972 as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's protected because it has rare plants, animals, or geological features.
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Longleat Woods: A Special Place
Longleat Woods is south of Frome and includes a part called Ashen Copse. It's a large, very old woodland that has grown naturally for a long time. What makes it extra special is its "high forest structure." This means it has many tall, mature trees, which is quite rare for woodlands in the South West of Britain.
What Makes it Special?
The soil in most of Longleat Woods can be a bit wet, but not completely waterlogged. This type of soil is perfect for the main tree you'll find here: the oak tree. These are mostly pedunculate oaks, known for their strong branches. You'll also see many ash trees scattered around.
The most common shrub growing under the taller trees is hazel. It's found all over the woods. These woods are home to many plant species that only grow in very old forests. Some cool examples include the broad-leaved helleborine, which is a type of orchid, and wood small-reed.
Giant Trees of Longleat
Did you know Longleat Woods is also home to some giant trees? It has one of the biggest groups of coast redwood trees in Britain. Many of these huge trees are inside the grounds of Center Parcs Longleat. You can also find the tallest giant redwood in the whole United Kingdom right here! These trees are truly massive and impressive.
Wonderful Wildlife
Longleat Woods is a busy place for many different animals, especially birds and insects. It's a great spot for birdwatching!
Birds of the Woods
Many different birds come to Longleat Woods to breed and raise their young. You might spot a woodcock, which is a shy bird that blends in with the forest floor. Other birds include the tree pipit and the wood warbler, known for their beautiful songs. The common redstart is another colorful visitor.
You can also see bigger birds like the common buzzard soaring overhead. At night, the tawny owl hunts silently. The woods are also home to several types of woodpeckers: the greater spotted woodpecker, the smaller lesser spotted woodpecker, and the European green woodpecker, which has bright green feathers.
Insects and Butterflies
The woods are buzzing with interesting insects too. You might see beautiful butterflies fluttering around, like the white admiral, the silver-washed fritillary, and the small pearl-bordered fritillary. These butterflies add a splash of color to the forest. You might also spot hornets, which are large wasps that play an important role in the ecosystem.
