Walton Common facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Avon |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°27′37″N 2°49′29″W / 51.46027°N 2.82471°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 25.5 hectares (0.255 km2; 0.098 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1991 |
Walton Common is a very important natural area in North Somerset, England. It covers about 25.5 hectares, which is roughly the size of 35 football fields! This special place is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its amazing wildlife and plants. It was given this important title in 1991.
The common is also a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This means it has important historical remains that are protected. The Avon Wildlife Trust helps manage Walton Common. They work to keep it a safe home for all the plants and animals that live there.
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Discovering Walton Common
Walton Common is a fantastic spot for nature lovers and history buffs. It's a place where you can see ancient history and thriving wildlife all at once. Even though it's privately owned, the Avon Wildlife Trust has a special agreement to look after it. They manage it as a nature reserve for everyone to enjoy.
A Look into the Past
Walton Common holds secrets from thousands of years ago. You can find two round mounds here called round barrows. These were built during the Bronze Age, which was about 4,000 years ago! People used them as burial sites.
There's also a unique structure called the Walton Common banjo enclosure. This was built much later, during the late Iron Age. That was around 2,000 years ago. It's called a "banjo enclosure" because of its shape. It might have been a small hillfort where people lived or gathered. Ancient fields are also nearby, showing how people used the land long ago.
Amazing Plants You Can Find
Walton Common is home to many beautiful wildflowers. When you visit, keep an eye out for these colorful plants:
- Thyme
- Marjoram
- Rock-rose
- St John's wort
- Autumn gentian
- Violets
Wonderful Wildlife
This common is a busy place for many different creatures. It's especially famous for its butterflies. You might spot some of these lovely insects fluttering around:
- Common blue
- Brown argus
- Grizzled skipper
- Dingy skipper
- Green hairstreak
- Purple hairstreak
- Dark green fritillary
Other insects also thrive here, like grasshoppers, glow-worms, and many kinds of moths. They all play an important role in the common's ecosystem.
Birds of the Common
Walton Common is a great place for birdwatching too. Many different bird species have been seen here, including:
These birds help keep the common healthy by eating insects and small animals.
