Swanpool Wood and Furnace Grove facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
_-_geograph.org.uk_-_847133.jpg)
Example: Greater Butterfly Orchid
|
|
| Area of Search | Gloucestershire |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°47′37″N 2°39′58″W / 51.793511°N 2.666208°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 13.59 hectare |
| Notification | 1984 |
Swanpool Wood and Furnace Grove is a special natural area in Gloucestershire, South West England. It covers about 13.59 hectares (which is about 33.6 acres). This area is officially known as a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). An SSSI is a protected place in the United Kingdom where nature is very important.
This site is also listed as a Key Wildlife Site (KWS) in the 'Forest of Dean Local Plan Review'. This means it's a key spot for wildlife in the local area.
Contents
Where is Swanpool Wood and Furnace Grove?
This special woodland is found in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This area is very important for its beautiful scenery and wildlife in southern Great Britain. Many rare plants and animals live here.
Protecting the Woodlands
The woods and groves at this site are very important for nature. People work hard here to conserve the woodland. They use methods like coppicing and replanting trees. Coppicing is when trees are cut down to the stump, allowing new shoots to grow. This helps keep the woodland healthy.
The natural woodland stretches along a deep valley called a gorge. There are actually two separate SSSI areas in this gorge: Lower Wye Gorge and Upper Wye Gorge.
Special Area of Conservation
The Wye Valley Woodlands are also known as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This is a special title given under the EU Habitats Directive. It means the area is important for protecting certain types of habitats and species across Europe.
What Plants Grow Here?
Swanpool Wood and Furnace Grove has very old broad-leaved trees. These trees grow on Carboniferous limestone shales. To the west, you can also find an area of Old Red Sandstone.
Trees and Ground Plants
There are small streams and wet areas in the north-east part of Swanpool Wood. The types of plants that grow here depend on the soil. The main trees in the woodland are Ash, Small-leaved Lime, and Hazel. In the wetter spots, you will find Alder trees.
On the ground, you can see lots of Bramble, Dog's Mercury, and Bluebell. There are also different kinds of ferns and ivy. You might spot Hart's-tongue ferns and wavy hair-grass.
Rare Plants
Some plants here are not very common. These include Herb Paris, the beautiful Greater Butterfly Orchid, and Narrow-leaved Bitter-cress.
Images for kids
-
Greater Butterfly Orchid, an uncommon plant found at the site.
