Shabbington Woods Complex facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Buckinghamshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 305.6 hectares |
| Notification | 1987 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
The Shabbington Woods Complex is a very special natural area in Buckinghamshire, England. It covers about 305.6 hectares, which is like 750 football fields! This area is so important for nature that it's called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). An SSSI is a place protected by law because it has rare wildlife, plants, or geology.
This complex is located between the villages of Horton-cum-Studley and Worminghall. It's a fantastic place for nature lovers and scientists alike.
Contents
What Makes Shabbington Woods Special?
Shabbington Woods Complex is made up of several different woodlands and open areas. These include Shabbington Wood, Bernwood Forest, Hell Coppice, Oakley Wood, and York's Wood. Together, they create a diverse home for many living things.
A Home for Insects
One of the most exciting things about Shabbington Woods is its amazing insect life. It's known for having a very rich variety of insects. Scientists have recorded over forty different types of butterflies here! This includes the rare Duke of Burgundy butterfly, which is quite special to see.
Ancient Woodlands and Meadows
While only a small part of the complex is truly ancient woodland (forests that have existed for a very long time), these areas are still incredibly valuable. They offer unique habitats that are hard to find elsewhere.
The complex also has two "unimproved" meadows. This means they haven't been treated with chemicals or heavily farmed. These meadows are surrounded by old, mature hedges, which also provide homes and pathways for wildlife. You can also find several ponds scattered throughout the area, adding to the variety of habitats.
Who Looks After Shabbington Woods?
Looking after such a large and important natural area is a big job! Part of Shabbington Wood is owned by the Forestry Commission. They are a government department that manages forests and woodlands in England.
A smaller part, about 7.5 hectares, is called Bernwood Meadows. This area is managed by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust. This trust is a charity that works to protect wildlife and wild places in the local area. Both organizations work hard to keep Shabbington Woods a safe and healthy place for all its inhabitants.
A Glimpse into History
The Shabbington Woods Complex is actually the largest remaining piece of what was once a much bigger forest. This huge forest was known as the Royal Forest of Bernwood. It was a royal hunting forest many centuries ago. Other smaller parts of this old forest are also protected as SSSIs in a nearby county called Oxfordshire.
This history shows us how important these woodlands have been for a very long time. They continue to be vital places for nature today.
