Temple Island Meadows facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
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| Area of Search | Buckinghamshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 14.1 hectares |
| Notification | 1989 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Temple Island Meadows is a very special natural area in Buckinghamshire, England. It covers about 14.1 hectares, which is roughly the size of 35 football fields! This important place is located on the bank of the River Thames, just north of Henley-on-Thames. It's called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its amazing plants and animals.
Contents
What Makes Temple Island Meadows Special?
Temple Island Meadows is mostly made up of "wet meadows." These are grasslands that often get flooded or stay very wet, especially during certain times of the year. Farmers let sheep graze here, which helps keep the grass healthy.
Because the meadows are wet and have been managed carefully for a long time, they are home to many different kinds of plants and animals. This variety of life is what makes the area so important to protect.
Amazing Plants and Animals
The unique wet environment at Temple Island Meadows helps many rare and interesting species thrive. You can find both special plants and fascinating insects living here.
Rare Flowers You Might See
Some plants found here are quite rare in the UK. One example is the summer snowflake. This beautiful flower grows well in wet, undisturbed grasslands like these meadows.
You might also spot different types of marsh orchids. These include the common marsh orchid and the early marsh orchid. Their presence shows that the meadows have been well-preserved for many years.
Cool Insects and Other Creatures
The wet meadows are also a perfect home for various insects. You can find the endangered marsh fly Dicheptophora findlandica here. Another rare insect is the dragonfly Gomphus vulgatissimus.
Besides the meadows, there are also areas of wet woodland. All these different habitats attract many kinds of birds that come here to nest and raise their young.
Exploring the Meadows
If you want to visit Temple Island Meadows, there's a public footpath that runs along the riverside. This path lets you explore the area and enjoy its natural beauty.
