Sheepleas facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Cowslip Meadow
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| Area of Search | Surrey |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological Geological |
| Area | 99.9 hectares (247 acres) |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Sheepleas is a special place in Surrey, east of Guildford. It's a large area, about 99.9 hectares (that's like 247 football fields!), that is important for both its amazing plants and animals, and its interesting rocks and landforms. Because of this, it's called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It's also a Local Nature Reserve, which means it's a protected area where nature can thrive, and people can visit and learn.
Sheepleas is looked after by the Surrey Wildlife Trust, and it's owned by Surrey County Council. This helps make sure it stays a wonderful place for nature and for people to enjoy.
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What Makes Sheepleas Special?
Sheepleas is located on the side of the North Downs, which are a range of hills. This area has different types of habitats, like woodlands, bushy areas (called scrub), and grasslands full of interesting plants.
Amazing Animals and Plants
Sheepleas is home to many different kinds of insects and other small creatures. Scientists call these "invertebrates." Some of these are very rare! For example, there are two types of flies that are hard to find anywhere else in the country: the Norellia spinipes and the Microdon devius. These tiny creatures are an important part of the ecosystem here.
A Peek into Earth's Past
One of the most exciting things about Sheepleas is its geology. In a part of the site called Mountain Wood, there's a special cut in the ground that shows a unique layer of gravel. This gravel was left behind a very long time ago, during a period called the Pleistocene (pronounced Ply-sto-seen). This was a time when huge ice sheets covered parts of the Earth, and it's also known as the Ice Age!
Studying this gravel helps scientists understand the Quaternary period (the last 2.6 million years of Earth's history) and how the land in areas like the Weald (a region in southeast England) and the London Basin (the area around London) has changed over millions of years. It's like finding clues that tell us about Earth's ancient history!
Visiting Sheepleas
Good news! Sheepleas is open to everyone. You can visit and explore its woodlands, grasslands, and enjoy the nature. It's a great place for a walk and to see some of the special plants and animals that live there.
