Otford to Shoreham Downs facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Kent |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 145.1 hectares (359 acres) |
| Notification | 1991 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Otford to Shoreham Downs is a really special place for nature in Kent, England. It covers about 145 hectares, which is like 358 football fields! This area is officially known as a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest' (SSSI) because it's home to many rare plants and animals. It's also part of the beautiful Kent Downs, which is a protected 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty'.
Part of this amazing place is Fackenden Down, a nature reserve looked after by the Kent Wildlife Trust. Here, you can find different types of land, like woodlands, bushy areas, and unique chalk grasslands. These grasslands are super important because they have over a hundred different kinds of plants!
Contents
What Makes Otford to Shoreham Downs Special?
Otford to Shoreham Downs isn't just any piece of land; it's a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest' (SSSI). This means it's a nationally important area for its wildlife, geology, or landforms. The government protects these sites to make sure their special features are looked after for the future.
This area is also part of the Kent Downs 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' (AONB). An AONB is a landscape that has been specially designated for its significant scenic beauty. It's like a national park, but with a slightly different type of protection, focusing on keeping the natural beauty of the countryside.
Habitats and Wildlife
The downs are a mix of different natural areas, called habitats. These include woodlands, areas with lots of bushes (scrub), and a very special type of grassland called chalk grassland. Each habitat provides a home for different kinds of plants and animals.
Chalk Grassland
Chalk grassland is a unique habitat that grows on chalky soil. This soil is usually thin and doesn't hold much water, but it's rich in lime. This makes it perfect for certain plants that can't grow elsewhere.
At Otford to Shoreham Downs, the chalk grassland is incredibly rich in different plant species. Over a hundred different types of plants have been recorded here! This makes it a very important place for biodiversity, meaning there's a wide variety of life.
Woodlands and Scrub
Besides the grasslands, there are also areas of woodland and scrub. Woodlands provide shelter and food for many animals, including birds and insects. Scrub areas, which are dense patches of bushes and small trees, offer great hiding places and nesting sites.
Looking After the Downs
For a long time, the chalk grasslands here were kept healthy by animals grazing on them. This means animals like sheep or cattle would eat the grass and other plants. Grazing helps to stop taller, stronger plants from taking over, allowing smaller, rarer plants to thrive.
However, in recent years, there has been less grazing on the downs. When grazing stops, the chalk grassland can become overgrown with bushes and taller grasses. Even with less grazing, the area is still very diverse, but managing it is important to keep all the special plants safe. The Kent Wildlife Trust helps to look after parts of this area, like Fackenden Down, to protect its natural beauty and wildlife.
