Perch SSSI facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
| Area of Search | Somerset |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°16′32″N 2°44′49″W / 51.27556°N 2.74685°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 72.1 hectares (0.721 km2; 0.278 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1990 |
The Perch is a special natural area in Somerset, England. It covers about 72.1 hectares, which is like 100 football fields! It's located near the famous Cheddar Gorge in the Mendip Hills.
This place is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's officially protected because it has rare plants and animals. The Perch became an SSSI in 1990.
Contents
Why The Perch is Special
The Perch is very important because it's home to many plants and animals that are hard to find elsewhere. It has unique grasslands and woodlands. These habitats are not common in the country.
Location and Rocks
The Perch sits on a steep ridge that runs from north to south. This area is mostly made of a type of rock called Carboniferous Limestone. There is also a small amount of dolomitic conglomerate rock.
Amazing Plants at The Perch
The Perch is a treasure chest for plant lovers. It has several very rare and special plants.
- The purple gromwell (Lithospermum purpurocaeruleum) is a nationally rare plant found here.
- The Ivy Broomrape (Orobanche hederae) is another scarce plant that grows on the site.
Beautiful Orchids
You can also find three types of beautiful orchids in the grassland areas:
- The Green-winged Orchid (Orchis morio)
- The pyramidal orchid (Anacamptis pyramidalis)
- The Autumn Ladies'-tresses (Spiranthes spiralis)
More Rare Flowers
Two more nationally rare plants call The Perch home. These are the Cheddar pink (Dianthus gratianopolitanus) and the Cheddar bedstraw (Galium fleurotii). You can also spot two nationally scarce plants: the rock stonecrop (Sedum forsterianum) and the spring cinquefoil (Potentilla tabernaemontani).
Wonderful Wildlife at The Perch
Because The Perch has so many different types of habitats, it's a great place for many animals.
Mammals and Bats
A total of 22 different kinds of mammals have been seen here. This includes a healthy population of dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius).
Five types of bats also live here. These include the Greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) and the Lesser horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus hipposideros). Both horseshoe bat species are nationally rare. They use The Perch for finding food. A small group of lesser horseshoe bats is known to roost here.
Birds and Butterflies
The Perch is also a busy place for birds. About 30 different kinds of birds are known to breed on this site. If you visit, you might also see many butterflies. At least 23 species of butterflies breed here, adding vibrant colors to the landscape.
