Puttenham and Crooksbury Commons facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Puttenham Common
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| Area of Search | Surrey |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 113.8 hectares (281 acres) |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Puttenham and Crooksbury Commons is a special natural area in Surrey, England. It covers about 113.8 hectares (which is like 281 football fields!). This area is called a Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI for short. This means it's a very important place for wildlife and nature.
Part of this area, Puttenham Common, belongs to the Hampton Estate. It is looked after by the Surrey Wildlife Trust for Surrey County Council. There's also an ancient site called Hillbury Hillfort here. It's a scheduled monument, meaning it's a protected historical place. This hillfort is a type of old fort from the Iron Age, built with one main wall for defense.
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Exploring Crooksbury Common
Crooksbury Hill is the highest point on Crooksbury Common, standing at 162 meters (about 531 feet) tall. It's the 21st tallest hill in all of Surrey!
What Can You See from Crooksbury Hill?
At the very top of Crooksbury Hill, you'll find a triangulation point. This is a special marker used by mapmakers to measure distances. From here, you can enjoy amazing views across the valley towards Hindhead and Gibbet Hill.
Crooksbury Hill in Stories
Crooksbury Hill was even mentioned in a Sherlock Holmes mystery! It appeared in the short story "The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist". In this story, the famous detective Sherlock Holmes helps a young woman named Miss Violet Smith solve a puzzling case.
The Name Crooksbury
The name "Crooksbury" comes from an old Celtic word. The parts 'cruc' or 'crug' often mean "burial mounds" or "hills with mounds on top." This makes sense because there are old earthworks, like ancient banks and ditches, on the side of Crooksbury Hill. One of these is even called Soldier's Ring.
Discovering Puttenham Common
Puttenham Common is a fascinating place, especially for history lovers. It has many interesting archaeological sites.
Hillbury Hillfort: An Ancient Site
One of the most important sites is the hillfort at Hillbury. This is a scheduled monument, which means it's protected by law because of its historical value. Experts believe it was built way back in the Iron Age, thousands of years ago. You can find this ancient fort on the highest part of the hill, overlooking Cutmill Pond.
Images for kids
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Puttenham Common
