Over and Lawn Woods facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
View of Lawn Wood
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| Area of Search | Suffolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 43.3 hectares |
| Notification | 1984 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Over and Lawn Woods is a very special natural area located in England. It covers about 43.3 hectares, which is like 100 football fields! This important place is found north-west of Haverhill.
It's officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a protected area because of its unique plants, animals, or geology. While it's listed as a Suffolk site, most of the area called Over Wood is actually in Cambridgeshire.
Contents
What Makes Over and Lawn Woods Special?
Over and Lawn Woods are considered "ancient woods." This means they have been woodlands for a very long time, possibly for hundreds of years! They are also managed using an old technique called "coppice with standards." This involves cutting some trees back to the ground regularly to encourage new growth, while leaving other taller trees (the "standards") to grow big.
The Unique Environment
The woods grow on a special type of soil called "chalky boulder clay." This soil was left behind by glaciers long ago and helps certain plants and trees to grow well.
The main trees you'll find here are the pedunculate oak and the ash. These trees are very important for the woodland ecosystem.
Amazing Plants and Animals
Over and Lawn Woods are home to a wide variety of plants and animals. This is known as having diverse fauna (animals) and flora (plants).
One very special plant found here is the oxlip. This beautiful yellow flower is quite rare in the UK, making its presence in these woods extra important.
Besides the trees and flowers, a small stream and a pond add even more natural interest to the area. They provide homes for different water-loving creatures and plants.
Protecting This Natural Treasure
Because Over and Lawn Woods are so important for nature, they are protected. This helps to make sure that the special plants and animals, like the oxlip, can continue to thrive.
It's important to know that this site is on private land. This means there is no public access to the woods. This helps to keep the area undisturbed and safe for its unique wildlife.
