The Flashes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Flashes |
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| Type | Local Nature Reserve |
| Location | Godalming, Surrey |
| OS grid | SU 863 397 |
| Area | 115.1 hectares (284 acres) |
| Managed by | Waverley Borough Council |
The Flashes is a special natural area located west of Godalming in Surrey, England. It covers about 115 hectares, which is a large space for nature to thrive. This amazing place is officially known as a Local Nature Reserve, meaning it's protected for its wildlife and natural beauty.
The National Trust owns The Flashes, and it is managed by Waverley Borough Council. Together, they help look after this important habitat.
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Discover The Flashes
The Flashes is a large natural area covering about 115 hectares (around 284 acres). It is located near Godalming in Surrey. This site is officially recognized as a Local Nature Reserve. This means it is a place where nature is protected and people can visit to enjoy the outdoors.
Who Looks After The Flashes?
The land at The Flashes is owned by the National Trust. This organization works to preserve historic places and natural beauty in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The daily care and management of The Flashes are handled by Waverley Borough Council, which is the local government body for the area. They work together to keep the reserve healthy and accessible.
Why is The Flashes Special?
The Flashes is part of several important protected areas. It is part of the Thursley, Hankley and Frensham Commons Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). An SSSI is a special place in the UK that has important plants, animals, or geological features.
It is also part of the Thursley, Ash, Pirbright & Chobham Special Area of Conservation (SAC). An SAC is a European site that protects rare or threatened habitats and species. Lastly, it is part of the Thursley, Hankley & Frensham Commons Special Protection Area (SPA). An SPA protects important bird habitats. These different protections show how valuable The Flashes is for nature.
Plants and Habitats at The Flashes
Most of The Flashes is a type of wetland called a river valley mire. A mire is a wet, boggy area, and this one is found in a river valley. This wet environment is perfect for certain types of plants. You can find plants like purple moor-grass, cross-leaved heath, and common cottongrass growing here.
Other plants that thrive in this wet habitat include heather, different types of rushes, and sphagnum mosses. Sphagnum moss is very important because it can hold a lot of water and helps create peat. Part of The Flashes is covered with peat, which is a type of soil made from decaying plant matter that builds up over thousands of years in wet conditions.
Visiting The Flashes
If you want to visit The Flashes, you can find access from Sandy Lane. It's a great place to explore and see the unique plants and habitats that make this Local Nature Reserve so special.
