Park Wood, Chilham facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Kent |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 31.1 hectares (77 acres) |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Park Wood is a really special forest located west of Chilham in Kent, England. It's quite large, covering about 31.1 hectares (which is like 77 football fields!). This amazing woodland is officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its unique wildlife and plants.
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What Makes Park Wood Special?
Park Wood is a protected area, which means it's super important for nature. Being an SSSI helps keep its natural beauty and diverse creatures safe for the future. It's a fantastic example of a healthy forest ecosystem.
Trees and Plants of the Wood
The main trees you'll find in Park Wood are hazel and hornbeam. These trees are managed using a traditional method called coppicing. This means they are cut back regularly to encourage new shoots to grow from the stump. This creates a dense, bushy growth.
Mixed in with the coppiced hazel and hornbeam are taller, older oak trees. These are called "standards." This mix of short, bushy trees and tall, strong oaks creates different layers of plants. These layers provide many different places for animals to live and find food. The ground is also covered with a wide variety of shrubs and other plants.
Amazing Animals of Park Wood
Park Wood is a busy place, full of life! Many different kinds of birds make their homes and raise their families here. You might hear their songs echoing through the trees.
The wood is also home to lots of invertebrates. These are animals without backbones, like insects and spiders. Among these tiny creatures, two are especially rare and important. One is a type of wasp called Crossocerus distinguendus. The other is a cool insect known as the soldier fly, Stratiomys potamida. Finding these rare species shows just how unique and valuable Park Wood is for biodiversity.
Visiting Park Wood
If you'd like to explore this wonderful natural area, you can get to Park Wood easily. There is access available from the A252 road. It's a great place to enjoy nature and see some of the amazing plants and animals that call Kent home.
