Warren Bank facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Oxfordshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 3.1 hectares (7.7 acres) |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Warren Bank is a special place in Oxfordshire, England, that's protected for its amazing nature. It's about 3.1 hectares (which is like 7.6 acres) of land located south-east of a town called Wallingford.
This site is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's one of the best places in the country for wildlife, plants, or geology. Warren Bank is particularly important for its plants and insects. It's looked after by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, a group that works to protect wild spaces.
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What Makes Warren Bank Special?
Warren Bank is a unique natural area because of its specific type of land. It has a steep slope and features what's called unimproved chalk grassland. This kind of grassland hasn't been changed much by farming or building, so it's very natural. It also has areas of scrub, which are small bushes and trees.
Amazing Plants You'll Find
Because the grassland at Warren Bank is so natural, it's home to a huge variety of plants, also known as flora. You can find many different kinds of flowers and grasses here. Some of the special plants include:
- Horseshoe Vetch: This plant has bright yellow flowers and is very important for certain butterflies.
- Chalk Milkwort: A pretty little plant that often has blue or pink flowers and loves chalky soil.
- Bee Orchid: This is a truly fascinating flower! It looks just like a female bee, which helps to trick male bees into pollinating it.
Cool Insects to Spot
The rich variety of plants at Warren Bank means there's also a fantastic range of insects, especially butterflies. Butterflies are attracted to the different flowers for nectar. Some of the beautiful butterflies you might see fluttering around include:
- Dark Green Fritillary: A large, orange-brown butterfly with distinctive silver spots on its underside.
- Green Hairstreak: A small, bright green butterfly that often rests with its wings closed, showing off its unique color.
These insects play a vital role in the ecosystem, helping to pollinate the plants and providing food for other animals.
Why is Warren Bank Protected?
Warren Bank was officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1986. This protection helps to make sure that this valuable habitat and its unique plants and insects are kept safe for the future. By managing the land carefully, organizations like the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust help these special species to thrive. It's a great example of how we can protect important natural places.
