Moorgreen Meadows facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Hampshire |
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| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 14.3 hectares (35 acres) |
| Notification | 1982 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Moorgreen Meadows is a special place in Southampton, Hampshire. It covers about 14.3-hectare (35-acre) of land. This area is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI. This means it's a really important spot for nature, protected by law because of its unique plants, animals, or geology.
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What Makes Moorgreen Meadows Unique?
Moorgreen Meadows is super important because of the amazing marsh orchids that grow there. These beautiful flowers are a type of plant that loves wet, marshy ground.
The Rare Northern Marsh Orchid
One of the most special plants found here is the Northern marsh orchid. This particular type of orchid is very rare. In fact, Moorgreen Meadows is the only place in southern England where you can find it! This makes the meadows a vital home for this unique plant.
A Home for Many Orchids
Besides the northern marsh orchid, four other types of marsh orchids also grow close by. These include the early marsh-orchid, common spotted orchid, heath spotted-orchid, and southern marsh orchid. Imagine seeing all these different kinds of orchids in one place!
How New Orchids Form
When different types of orchids grow together, they can sometimes create new kinds of plants. This happens when their pollen mixes, leading to what are called hybrids. At Moorgreen Meadows, these different marsh orchids often mix. This means you can find many different hybrid orchids here.
This process is like a natural experiment. It helps scientists learn about micro-evolution. Micro-evolution is when small changes happen in living things over time, leading to new varieties or types. Moorgreen Meadows is a great place to study how new plant forms can develop naturally.
