Reigate Heath facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Surrey |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 61.7 hectares (152 acres) |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Reigate Heath is a special natural area located west of Reigate in Surrey, England. It covers about 61.7 hectares, which is roughly the size of 150 football fields! This heath is very important for nature. Because of its unique plants and habitats, it has been named a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). A large part of it is also a Local Nature Reserve, which means it's a place where people can enjoy nature and learn about it.
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What Makes Reigate Heath Special?
Reigate Heath is a mix of different natural areas. You can find open heathland, grassy fields, small woodlands, and even wet, marshy meadows. This variety of habitats makes it a home for many different kinds of plants and animals.
A Home for Unique Plants
The heathland parts of Reigate Heath are covered with plants like ling and bell heather. These plants are known for their beautiful purple flowers. You might also see wavy hair-grass growing here.
In the marshy meadows, where the ground is wetter, different plants thrive. These include Yorkshire fog, a type of grass, and sharp-flowered rush. You can also find pretty flowers like meadowsweet, wild angelica, and bright yellow marsh marigold. These plants are important because they provide food and shelter for insects and other wildlife.
Ancient History on the Heath
Reigate Heath isn't just important for nature; it also has a rich history! There are seven ancient burial mounds called bowl barrows located here. These mounds date back to the Bronze Age, which was thousands of years ago. People from that time used to bury their dead in these large, round mounds.
These bowl barrows are so important that they are protected as Scheduled Monuments. This means they are special historical sites that are legally protected from damage. It's like a national treasure that everyone helps to look after.
Visiting Reigate Heath
Most of Reigate Heath is open for everyone to explore and enjoy. It's a great place for walks, nature spotting, or just enjoying the outdoors. However, one part of the heath is a golf course, which is private. But the rest of the area is there for you to discover the amazing plants, history, and wildlife it offers!
