Ten Acre Wood facts for kids
Ten Acre Wood is a wonderful place in Yeading, located in the London Borough of Hillingdon. It's a special area known as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR). This means it's protected because it's important for nature and wildlife. The land is owned by Hillingdon Council, and it's looked after by a group called the London Wildlife Trust (LWT). They work hard to keep it a safe home for plants and animals.
Ten Acre Wood is also part of an even bigger natural area called the Yeading Brook Meadows Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation. Think of it as a very important nature spot for the whole city of London! This larger area includes two other nearby nature reserves, Gutteridge Wood and Meadows and Yeading Brook Meadows LNR, which are also managed by the London Wildlife Trust.
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What is Ten Acre Wood Like?
Ten Acre Wood is made up of two parts of woodland that meet at one corner. It's like two pieces of a puzzle fitting together!
The Trees and Plants
The main trees you'll find here are oak trees, which are over a hundred years old. Imagine how tall and strong they must be! Underneath these tall oaks, there are smaller trees and bushes like hawthorn and blackthorn. These plants provide great hiding spots and food for many creatures.
Water and Wetlands
The lovely Yeading Brook flows right through the wood. This stream is important for the wildlife. Along the brook, you'll find areas of marsh, which are wet, muddy places, and open meadows. These different habitats mean that many different kinds of plants and animals can live here.
Who Lives in Ten Acre Wood?
Ten Acre Wood is home to many amazing creatures, from birds flying high to tiny insects buzzing around.
Birds You Might See
If you're lucky, you might spot some cool birds. Hobbies are small, fast falcons that hunt insects and other birds. You might also see colourful kingfishers, known for their bright blue and orange feathers, as they dive into the brook to catch fish.
Insects and Other Small Creatures
The wood is also buzzing with invertebrates, which are animals without backbones. Look closely, and you might find Roesel's bush crickets, which are green and good at camouflaging themselves. There are also long winged coneheads, another type of grasshopper. And don't forget the beautiful gatekeeper butterflies, often seen fluttering around the meadows on sunny days.
Where is Ten Acre Wood Located?
Ten Acre Wood is connected to other natural areas, making it part of a larger green network.
Connecting to Other Nature Reserves
To the south of Ten Acre Wood, across Charville Lane, you'll find Yeading Brook Meadows. There's even a special "Golden Bridge" that crosses the brook, connecting the two areas. In the northern part of Ten Acre Wood, there's a footpath that leads west across the brook. This path takes you to another lovely nature spot called Gutteridge Wood and Meadows. It's great how these green spaces are linked, allowing wildlife to move freely between them.