Stockbridge Down facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 69.8 hectares (172 acres) |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Stockbridge Down is a really special place in Hampshire, England. It covers about 69.8 hectares (172 acres), which is a huge area! This land is protected because it has important wildlife and plants. It's also a place where you can find clues about people who lived there long, long ago. The National Trust, a charity that looks after special places, owns Stockbridge Down.
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Exploring Stockbridge Down
Stockbridge Down is officially a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a very important area for nature. The government protects it to make sure its special plants, animals, and natural features are safe. It was first recognized as an SSSI in 1985.
Why is it Protected?
Stockbridge Down is also a "Nature Conservation Review site, Grade 2." This shows how important it is for studying nature across the country. It has unique types of land and plants that are valuable for science and conservation.
The land here slopes towards the north-west. It has areas of chalk and a type of soil called clay-with-flints. This mix creates different places for plants and animals to live.
Ancient History of the Down
Part of Stockbridge Down is a Scheduled monument. This means it's an important historical site protected by law. You can find amazing clues from the past here:
- An Iron Age hillfort: This was a large, fortified settlement built by people living around 800 BC to AD 43. They used the high ground for protection.
- Fourteen Bronze Age burial mounds: These are ancient graves, often shaped like small hills. They were built by people living around 2500 BC to 800 BC. These mounds tell us about how ancient people buried their dead.
Wildlife Wonders
Stockbridge Down is a fantastic place for wildlife, especially insects. The different types of plants and soils create perfect homes for many species.
- Butterflies: You might see many colorful butterflies flying around. Some common ones include:
- Chalk-hill blue
- Marbled white
- Dark green fritillary
- Moths: Moths are also found here. One interesting moth is the oblique striped.
These insects help pollinate the plants and are an important part of the ecosystem at Stockbridge Down.
