Micheldever Spoil Heaps facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 32.1 hectares (79 acres) |
| Notification | 1982 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Micheldever Spoil Heaps is a special place in Hampshire, England. It covers about 32.1 hectares, which is like 80 football fields! This area is protected because it's a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's super important for its plants and wildlife.
Contents
What are Spoil Heaps?
Micheldever Spoil Heaps are not natural hills. They are piles of earth and rock left over from when people built railways a long time ago. This happened in the 1800s, when trains were a new way to travel. Workers dug tunnels and cut through hills, and all the extra dirt became these "spoil heaps."
Why is This Place So Special?
This site is incredibly important for plants. Natural England, a group that protects nature, says it has "exceptional botanical importance." This means it has a huge variety of plants, including many rare ones.
How Plants Grow Here
The plants that grow here mostly came from nearby areas. But some seeds traveled from far away, perhaps carried by wind or animals. The types of plants growing here are always changing. This is because new plants arrive, and some older ones might disappear. This constant change helps keep the area interesting and full of different species.
Home to Rare Flowers
Micheldever Spoil Heaps is famous for its rare plants. One of the most exciting finds here is the fly orchid. There are very large groups of these unique flowers growing on the heaps. Fly orchids look a bit like flies, which helps them attract real insects to spread their pollen.
Visiting Micheldever Spoil Heaps
Good news! You can visit Micheldever Spoil Heaps. It's open to the public, so you can explore and see these amazing plants for yourself. It's a great place to learn about nature and how old railway projects can create new homes for wildlife.
