Swanton Novers Woods facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Barney Wood
|
|
| Area of Search | Norfolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 83.0 hectares (205 acres) |
| Notification | 1988 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Swanton Novers Woods is a very special area of woodland in Norfolk, England. It covers about 83 hectares, which is like 205 football fields! This area is so important for nature that it's called a Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI for short.
The woods are located east of Fakenham and are actually made up of four different parts: Swanton Great Wood, Little Wood, Barney Wood, and Guybon's Wood. Two of these, Swanton Great Wood and Little Wood, are even more protected as a National Nature Reserve.
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What Makes Swanton Novers Woods Special?
Swanton Novers Woods is considered one of the most important groups of woodlands in the entire country. This is because these woods are incredibly old. They are thought to be of primary origin, which means they have been continuously covered by trees for thousands of years, possibly since the last Ice Age! This makes them truly ancient and undisturbed places.
Amazing Plants and Trees
The plants and trees in Swanton Novers Woods are super diverse. This means there are many different kinds of species living there. You can find a huge variety of trees, from mighty oaks to graceful birches, and a rich mix of smaller plants growing on the forest floor.
Home to Rare Flowers
One of the most exciting things about these woods is that they are home to a very rare flower called the may lily. This beautiful plant is not found in many places in the UK, making its presence here extra special. Protecting places like Swanton Novers Woods helps ensure that rare plants like the may lily can continue to thrive.
Visiting Swanton Novers Woods
While Swanton Novers Woods is a protected area, some parts are still open for people to enjoy. The main public footpaths that go through the woods are still accessible. This means you can walk along these paths and experience the beauty and peace of this ancient woodland. However, other areas of the site are currently closed to the public to help protect the delicate environment and its rare species.
