Sharpham Moor Plot facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
| Area of Search | Somerset |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°08′49″N 2°45′58″W / 51.14685°N 2.76622°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 0.5 hectares (0.0050 km2; 0.0019 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1967 |
Sharpham Moor Plot is a special nature area in Somerset, UK. It covers about 0.5 hectares, which is like one and a quarter football fields! This amazing place has been protected since 1967. It is known as a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest.
What is Sharpham Moor Plot?
Sharpham Moor Plot is a unique piece of land. It is mostly covered by secondary woodland. This means the trees have grown back after the original forest was cleared a long time ago. The land sits on a special type of soil called Turbary Moor Series Peat. This peat is very old and made from decayed plants.
Why is it Special?
This area is part of the wider Somerset Moors. The Somerset Wildlife Trust helps to look after it. Sharpham Moor Plot is very important for two main reasons:
- Research: Scientists can study how nature changes over time here.
- History: It has a long history of being studied.
Studying Nature's Changes
One of the most exciting things about Sharpham Moor Plot is its research value. It's one of the best places to see natural succession happening. Natural succession is when different types of plants and animals gradually replace each other in an area. It's like watching nature's own slow-motion movie!
Scientists have been keeping detailed records of the plants here since 1915. That's over 100 years of information! These records help us understand how ecosystems change and grow. They show how new plants move in and how the woodland develops over many years. This long-term study is super helpful for understanding our natural world.
