Salt Way, Ditchley facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Oxfordshire |
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| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 2.0 hectares (4.9 acres) |
| Notification | 1988 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Salt Way, Ditchley is a special natural area located east of Charlbury in Oxfordshire, England. It covers about 2 hectares (5 acres) of land. This site is important because it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and also a Local Nature Reserve.
Contents
What is Salt Way, Ditchley?
Salt Way, Ditchley is part of a very old track. This track has grassy edges and hedges that are full of different plant species. Imagine walking along a path that has been used for hundreds, maybe even thousands, of years!
An Ancient Path
This old track might even date back to the time of the Roman Empire. The Romans built many roads across Britain. Some plants like to grow along these old roads and tracks, especially where the soil has a lot of calcium in it.
Why is Salt Way, Ditchley Special?
This area is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because it is home to a very rare plant. An SSSI is a place that the government protects because it has important wildlife, plants, or geology.
Home to a Rare Plant
The main reason Salt Way, Ditchley is so special is because of a plant called the downy woundwort. This plant is very rare in Britain. Salt Way has the largest known group of these plants in the whole country!
The Downy Woundwort
At Salt Way, experts have found more than 100 young downy woundwort plants. They have also counted over 60 plants that are flowering. This means the plant is growing well and making new seeds here.
The downy woundwort likes to grow near hedges along old roads. It prefers soils that are rich in calcium, which is a type of mineral. This is why it thrives on ancient tracks like Salt Way. Protecting this area helps make sure this rare plant can continue to grow and survive.
