Stoke Common facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Buckinghamshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 83.1 hectares |
| Notification | 1984 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Stoke Common is a special natural area in Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire. It covers about 83 hectares, which is like 83 football fields! This place is protected because it's home to unique plants and animals.
It is known as a common land. This means local people have traditional rights to use the land. A charity owns Stoke Common. The City of London Corporation helps fund and manage this important natural space.
Contents
Discovering Stoke Common
Stoke Common is a very important natural site. It is a "Site of Special Scientific Interest" (SSSI). This means it's a protected area where nature is really important. Scientists study the plants and animals here.
The common is one of the last parts of a much bigger natural area called a heath. Heaths are open areas with low-growing plants. The ground here has gravel from ancient glaciers. This gravel sits on top of a type of clay. Some parts of the common are always wet.
How the Land is Managed
Caring for Stoke Common helps nature thrive. Sometimes, small controlled fires are used. This is called "periodic burning." It helps new plants grow. It also keeps the heath healthy and open.
There are also small areas with trees. You can find birch, pine, and other mixed woodlands. Several ponds are also part of the common. These different areas create homes for many creatures.
Exploring the Wildlife
Stoke Common is full of amazing wildlife. It has a rich variety of invertebrates. Invertebrates are animals without backbones, like insects. Many different types of moths live here.
You might even find some special insects. The dusky cockroach has been seen here. The rare bog bush cricket also lives at Stoke Common. These creatures show how unique this habitat is.
Visiting Stoke Common
Stoke Common is a great place to explore nature. You can access the common from Stoke Common Road. There is also access from Gerrards Cross Road. It's a wonderful spot for a walk. You can enjoy the outdoors and see the wildlife.
