Rook Clift facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
.jpg) |
|
| Area of Search | West Sussex |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 10.7 hectares (26 acres) |
| Notification | 1997 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Rook Clift is a special natural area in West Sussex, England. It covers about 10.7-hectare (26-acre) of land. This site is important because it's home to unique plants and animals. It has two main protections: it's a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Being an SSSI means the area is protected by law. This is because of its special wildlife, geology, or landforms. A Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is an even higher level of protection. It's part of a European network of sites. These sites protect rare or threatened habitats and species. Rook Clift is a great example of ancient woodland.
What Makes Rook Clift Special?
Rook Clift is a steep valley with a stream flowing through it. The valley sides are covered with very old, natural woodland. This type of forest has been around for a long time. It has not been planted by people. This makes it very valuable for wildlife.
Unique Trees and Plants
The most important trees in Rook Clift are the large-leaved lime trees. These trees are quite rare in the UK. They form the main "canopy" or top layer of the forest. Other common trees you can find here include beech and ash trees. The mix of these trees creates a rich habitat. It supports many different kinds of plants and animals.
Amazing Snails and Other Creatures
Rook Clift is also famous for its amazing snails and other small creatures. It has a very rich group of molluscs. These are animals like snails and slugs. One very special snail found here is called Helicodonta obvoluta. This snail is listed in the Red Data Book. This means it is a rare or endangered species. Finding it here shows how important Rook Clift is for protecting biodiversity.
