Swain's Wood facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Pasture with Swain's Wood on the right
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| Area of Search | Buckinghamshire |
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| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 16.2 hectares |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Swain's Wood is a special natural area in Buckinghamshire, England. It's a place where many different plants and animals live. This beautiful spot is protected because of its important wildlife. It's managed by a group called the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust.
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Discovering Swain's Wood
Swain's Wood is a 16.2 hectare area. It is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This means it's a place that is very important for its plants, animals, or geology. The government protects these sites to keep them healthy.
Where is Swain's Wood Located?
Swain's Wood is found west of a village called Turville. This area is in Buckinghamshire, a county in England. It's also part of the Chilterns. The Chilterns are a beautiful countryside area. They are so special that they are called an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Who Looks After Swain's Wood?
The land at Swain's Wood is looked after by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust. This group works to protect wildlife and wild places. They help make sure the plants and animals in Swain's Wood can thrive.
What Does Swain's Wood Look Like?
Swain's Wood is located on the upper slopes of a valley. It has open areas of grassland and scrub. Scrub is an area with small bushes and trees. On both sides of these open areas, there is woodland. Some of the trees in the woodland are very old. Some parts of the wood have mostly beech trees. Other parts have a mix of different tree types.
Amazing Plants and Animals
The grassland at Swain's Wood is home to many different kinds of plants. You might see colorful orchids, bright primroses, and yellow cowslips. These flowers add beauty to the landscape.
The site is also a great place for insects and other small creatures. Scientists have found many different types of invertebrates here. These include spiders, butterflies, and moths.
Spiders of Swain's Wood
Swain's Wood is especially known for its spiders. About 117 different kinds of spiders have been found here! Some of these spiders are quite rare. Two examples are the Tapinocyboides pygmaea and Phrurolithus minimus spiders. These tiny creatures are an important part of the ecosystem.
Butterflies and Moths
More than 160 different types of butterflies and moths have been recorded at Swain's Wood. These beautiful insects fly among the flowers and trees. They help to pollinate plants and are a food source for other animals.
Visiting Swain's Wood
If you want to visit Swain's Wood, you need to get permission first. The wildlife trust that manages the site requires a permit for access. This helps them protect the delicate environment and its special inhabitants.
