Peake Wood facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 17.7 hectares (44 acres) |
| Notification | 1984 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Peake Wood is a special natural area in Hampshire, England. It's officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its amazing plants and trees. This beautiful wood covers about 17.7 hectares, which is like 25 football fields! It was recognized as an SSSI in 1984.
Contents
What Makes Peake Wood Special?
Peake Wood is a fantastic example of a woodland that grows on a special type of soil. This soil is called calcareous (say: kal-CARE-ee-us), which means it has a lot of calcium carbonate, like chalk or limestone. This kind of soil helps certain plants and trees to grow really well.
Trees and Plants You Might Find
The main trees in Peake Wood are hazel and ash. But there are many other types of trees too! The ground beneath the trees is also full of interesting plants.
Some of the most common plants you'd see include:
- Bluebell: These beautiful flowers create a stunning blue carpet in spring.
- Dog's mercury: This plant often grows in shady, damp parts of woodlands.
Rare and Unique Flowers
Peake Wood is also home to some very special and rare plants. These include:
- Star-of-Bethlehem: This flower has delicate white petals that look like a star.
- Fly orchid: This amazing orchid looks just like a fly! It uses this clever trick to attract real insects for pollination.
Visiting Peake Wood
It's important to know that Peake Wood is on private land. This means there is no public access, so people cannot visit the wood. Its protected status helps to keep its unique environment safe and undisturbed.
