Upper Greensand Hangers: Empshott to Hawkley facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 37.7 hectares (93 acres) |
| Notification | 1999 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
The Upper Greensand Hangers: Empshott to Hawkley is a special natural area in Hampshire, England. It covers about 37.7 hectares (which is like 93 football fields!). This area is located north of Petersfield and is protected because of its unique plants and wildlife. It's known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is also part of a larger protected area called the East Hampshire Hangers Special Area of Conservation.
Contents
What Makes This Area Special?
This amazing site is made up of several woods found on very steep, rocky slopes. These slopes are part of a geological feature called the Upper Greensand. The special conditions here, especially the lime-rich soil, create a perfect home for unusual types of woodlands. You can also find rare mosses and liverworts growing on the rocks.
The Upper Greensand: A Unique Landscape
The "Upper Greensand" is a type of rock formation. It's not actually green, but it's called that because of some green minerals found in it. In this area, the Upper Greensand forms steep hillsides, often called "hangers." These hangers are like natural staircases, creating different environments for plants and animals. The rocks here are rich in lime, which means they have a lot of calcium. This is important because some plants need lime to grow well.
Trees and Plants You Can Find
The most common tree you'll see here is the ash tree (Fraxinus excelsior). Many of these ash trees have been "coppiced" in the past. Coppicing is an old way of managing woodlands where trees are cut down to near ground level. This makes them grow many new, smaller stems. This method helps to keep the woodland healthy and provides wood for people to use.
The ground under the trees is full of different plants, making it very diverse. Some of the interesting plants you might spot include:
- Dog's mercury (Mercurialis perennis): This plant often grows in large patches on the woodland floor.
- Yellow archangel (Lamiastrum galeobdolon): This plant has pretty yellow flowers and silvery patterns on its leaves.
Mosses and Liverworts: Tiny Green Wonders
Because of the damp and lime-rich rocks, this area is a great place for special mosses and liverworts. These are small, simple plants that don't have true roots, stems, or leaves like bigger plants. They absorb water and nutrients directly from their surroundings. They often form soft, green carpets on rocks and tree trunks, adding to the unique beauty of the hangers.
Why Are These Areas Protected?
Places like the Upper Greensand Hangers are protected for several important reasons:
- Protecting Wildlife: They provide a safe home for many different plants and animals, some of which might be rare or endangered.
- Studying Nature: Scientists can learn a lot about how ecosystems work by studying these undisturbed areas.
- Enjoying Nature: They offer beautiful places for people to visit and connect with nature, though access might be limited to protect sensitive habitats.
By protecting these sites, we help to keep our natural world healthy and full of amazing biodiversity for everyone to enjoy now and in the future.
