Moulsford Downs facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
.jpg) |
|
| Area of Search | Oxfordshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 13.6 hectares (34 acres) |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Moulsford Downs is a special natural area in Oxfordshire, England. It covers about 13.6-hectare (34-acre) of land. This site is officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its amazing wildlife.
Contents
Discovering Moulsford Downs
Moulsford Downs is located north-west of Goring-on-Thames. It's a beautiful example of chalk grassland. This type of habitat is very important for many different plants and animals.
A Special Place for Nature
Being a Site of Special Scientific Interest means Moulsford Downs is protected. This protection helps to keep its unique natural features safe. The site was officially recognized as an SSSI in 1986.
Amazing Wildlife
Moulsford Downs is home to a rich variety of wildlife. It's especially important for its many different invertebrates. Invertebrates are animals without a backbone, like insects and spiders.
Insects and Bugs You Might Find
This chalk grassland is a perfect home for many interesting bugs. You might spot the uncommon robber-fly (Leptarthrus brevirostris). This fly is a skilled hunter!
You could also see the beautiful adonis blue butterfly. Its bright blue wings make it easy to spot on sunny days. Another cool insect is the juniper shield bug.
The site is also home to several types of beetles. These include weevils like Baris picicornis and Phyllobius viridicollis. You might also find the leaf beetle Phyllotreta nodicornis and Bruchus cisti. Each of these tiny creatures plays an important role in the ecosystem of Moulsford Downs.
Visiting Moulsford Downs
It's important to know that Moulsford Downs is on private land. This means there is no public access to the site. Even though you can't visit, knowing about places like this helps us understand why it's so important to protect our natural world.
