The Wild Grounds facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 28.2 hectares (70 acres) |
| Notification | 1987 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
The Wild Grounds is a special natural area in Gosport, Hampshire. It covers about 28.2 hectares (which is like 70 football fields!). This area is important for its plants and animals, so it's called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
It's also a Local Nature Reserve. This means it's a place where nature is protected and people can visit to enjoy it. The Wild Grounds is looked after by the Gosport Borough Council, which is the local government for the area.
What Makes The Wild Grounds Special?
The Wild Grounds has a long history. It was probably land that everyone in the community could use, called "common land," until around the 1600s. After that, it grew into a thick forest.
A Forest of Old Oak Trees
This forest is mostly filled with large oak trees. These are a common type of oak tree found in the UK. What's really cool is that the trees here are of different ages. Some are very old, and they are allowed to live out their full natural lives. This is important for the environment.
Why is This Area Important for Nature?
Even though The Wild Grounds doesn't have a huge variety of different plants, it's still very important. Scientists and historians find it fascinating because of how it naturally formed. Its unique structure, with trees of all ages, helps many different creatures live there. It's a great example of a natural woodland that has been allowed to grow and change over many centuries.
