Parkhurst Forest facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Hillis Gate - Parkhurst Forest
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| Area of Search | Isle of Wight |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 395 hectare |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Natural England |
Parkhurst Forest is a large woodland area. You can find it on the Isle of Wight in England, just north-west of Newport. It's a great place for outdoor activities and seeing wildlife.
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Discover Parkhurst Forest
Parkhurst Forest covers about 395 hectares. That's like 1,000 football fields! It is the second largest forest on the Isle of Wight. Only Brighstone Forest is bigger. The Forestry Commission owns and manages this land. They make sure it stays healthy and open for everyone to enjoy.
A Special Place for Nature
Part of Parkhurst Forest is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This means it's a very important area for nature. It has different kinds of land, including:
- Ancient woodland: These are forests that have been around for a very long time.
- Heathland: This is open land with small shrubs and grasses.
- Plantation woodland: These are areas where trees have been planted by people.
This mix of habitats makes the forest special. It helps many different plants and animals live there.
Home to Amazing Wildlife
Parkhurst Forest is a true haven for wildlife. It's a fantastic spot for nature lovers and bird watchers. You might even spot some rare animals!
- Red Squirrels: The forest is famous for its population of red squirrels. These cute, bushy-tailed creatures are rare in many parts of England. They thrive here because there are no grey squirrels to compete with them.
- Birdlife: Many types of birds call Parkhurst Forest home. Look out for:
- Garden warblers, known for their lovely songs.
- Nightjars, which hunt insects at dusk.
- Woodcocks, birds with long beaks that live on the forest floor.
- Green woodpeckers and great spotted woodpeckers, which you might hear tapping on trees.
- Long eared owls, often seen at night.
The forest's quiet areas and varied trees provide perfect homes for these birds.
A Bit of History
Parkhurst Forest has an interesting past. Long ago, King James I used to hunt deer here. Even today, people sometimes report seeing wild deer on the Isle of Wight.
During the Second World War, some factories were built inside the forest. This was done to hide them from German bombers. One of these old factories was an aircraft hangar. Later, it became a printworks for a company called J. Arthur Dixon. They were famous for making greeting cards and postcards.
Parkhurst Forest is a wonderful place to visit. You can walk, cycle, and enjoy the peace and quiet. It's a great way to connect with nature and learn about the island's history.
