Newell Wood facts for kids
Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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Area of Search | Rutland |
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Interest | Biological |
Area | 33.3 hectares |
Notification | 1983 |
Location map | Magic Map |
Newell Wood is a special woodland area in Rutland, England. It covers about 33.3 hectares, which is roughly the size of 50 football fields! This area is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It's located east of a village called Pickworth and is close to Lincolnshire Gate.
Contents
What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest?
A Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI, is a protected area in the United Kingdom. These places are chosen because they have important wildlife, plants, or geological features. They are like nature's treasures!
Why Newell Wood is Special
Newell Wood is special because it's a "biological" SSSI. This means it's important for its living things, like plants and animals. The woodland is considered "semi-natural," meaning it has grown mostly on its own, without too much human interference.
The Ground and Soil
The ground in Newell Wood is mostly made of "glacial sands and gravels." These were left behind by huge ice sheets from long, long ago. Some parts of the wood also have "clays and siltstones." These are different types of soil that affect what can grow there.
Plants and Trees You Might Find
Newell Wood is mainly a forest of oak and birch trees. These are common trees in the UK, but here they form an important habitat.
Woodland Plants
On the ground, you can find various plants. Some common ones include bracken, which is a large fern. You might also spot wood sorrel, a small plant with clover-like leaves and delicate white flowers. Another special plant found here is the early purple orchid, known for its beautiful purple blooms in spring.
Protecting Newell Wood
Because Newell Wood is an SSSI, it is protected by law. This helps to make sure its special plants and habitats are kept safe for the future.
Access to the Site
It's important to know that Newell Wood is private land. This means there is no public access to the site. This helps to protect the delicate environment and wildlife within the woodland from being disturbed.