Moorend Common facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Moorend Common

Site of Special Scientific Interest
Area of Search	Buckinghamshire
Interest	Biological
Area	28.0 hectares
Notification	1985
Location map	Magic Map

Moorend Common is a special natural area covering 28 hectares (about 70 acres). It is located near a small village called Moor End, which is west of High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, England. This common is a very important place for nature.

It is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it has rare wildlife or geology that needs protecting. Moorend Common is also part of the beautiful Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The local Lane End Parish Council looks after this important site.

What Makes Moorend Common Special?

Moorend Common is a protected area because of its unique natural features. It is home to many different plants and animals. The land here is quite unusual for the Chilterns region.

A Special Type of Soil

The ground at Moorend Common is made of something called London Clay. This type of clay is not common in the Chilterns. Because of this clay, the soil is often quite acidic and can get very wet. This creates special conditions for certain plants to grow.

Diverse Habitats

Moorend Common has many different types of natural environments. These include open grasslands, heathland, and woodlands. There are also marshy areas and scrubland. Each of these habitats supports different kinds of plants and animals.

Woodland Wonders

The common features three main types of woodland. You can find tall beech trees, sturdy oak trees, and graceful birch trees. There is also a smaller area where larch and pine trees have been planted. On the ground beneath the trees, you might see plants like bracken and bramble.

Marshy Areas and Rare Plants

In the wetter, marshy parts of Moorend Common, some unique plants thrive. These include the beautiful heath spotted orchid. You can also find various types of bog mosses growing here. These plants need damp conditions to survive.

Gubbins Hole: A Natural Drain

A small stream flows through the common. This stream has an interesting end point: it disappears into a swallow-hole called Gubbins Hole. A swallow-hole is like a natural drain in the ground. It is where surface water flows into underground passages.

Visiting Moorend Common

You can easily visit Moorend Common. Church Road passes right through the site, making it simple to access and explore this special natural area. It is a great place to see different habitats and learn about local wildlife.