Scotney Castle SSSI facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Kent |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 112.5 hectares (278 acres) |
| Notification | 1991 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Scotney Castle SSSI is a really special natural area in Kent, England. It's called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because it has important plants, animals, or geological features. This particular SSSI is found on the beautiful grounds of Scotney Castle, which is looked after by the National Trust. It's located south-east of Tunbridge Wells.
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Scotney Castle: A Special Place for Nature
Scotney Castle SSSI covers about 112.5 hectares (278 acres), which is like 278 football fields! It was officially recognized as a special site in 1991. This area is important because it's a "biological" SSSI. This means it's protected for its amazing living things, like plants and animals.
What Makes Scotney Castle SSSI Special?
The land at Scotney Castle SSSI has different types of habitats. These include open parkland, grassy areas, and thick woodlands. Each of these different parts provides a home for various creatures and plants. The mix of habitats makes the area very rich in nature.
Amazing Animals and Plants
This special site is home to some rare and protected animals. One of the most famous is the dormouse. These tiny, cute creatures are protected by law because their numbers are shrinking in many places.
Protecting Rare Species
Besides dormice, Scotney Castle SSSI also has several types of invertebrates that are nationally scarce. Invertebrates are animals without backbones, like insects, spiders, and snails. One example found here is Rolph's door snail. Finding these rare species shows how important it is to protect this area.
Water Features and Wildlife
The site also has man-made ponds and a moat around the castle. These water areas add to the different habitats available. They provide homes for aquatic plants and animals, like frogs, newts, and various insects that live in or near water.
Visiting Scotney Castle
The gardens of Scotney Castle are open to the public. This means you can visit and explore the beautiful grounds. While the SSSI itself is a protected area, the public access to the gardens allows visitors to enjoy the natural beauty and learn about the importance of protecting such sites. It's a great place to see nature up close!
