Watts Bank facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Berkshire |
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| Coordinates | 51°29′31″N 1°31′30″W / 51.492°N 1.525°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 1.9 hectares (4.7 acres) |
| Notification | 1987 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Watts Bank is a special nature reserve located south of Lambourn in Berkshire, England. It covers about 1.9 hectares, which is roughly the size of two football fields! This amazing place is looked after by the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust. It's officially known as a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI, under the name White Shute. This means it's a very important area for wildlife and needs to be protected.
Watts Bank is a small area of chalk grassland. This type of grassland grows on chalky soil and is home to many unique plants and animals. Over 30 different kinds of butterflies have been seen here, making it a real butterfly paradise!
Contents
Amazing Animals at Watts Bank
Watts Bank is a fantastic place to spot different kinds of animals, especially insects.
Butterflies You Might See
Many beautiful butterflies flutter around Watts Bank. Here are a few you might be lucky enough to see:
- Aricia agestis, also known as the brown argus butterfly.
- Callophrys rubi, the green hairstreak, known for its bright green underwings.
- Melanargia galathea, the marbled white, which has a striking black and white pattern.
- Lycaena phlaeas, the small copper, a tiny butterfly with bright orange and brown wings.
Wonderful Plants at Watts Bank
The special chalky soil at Watts Bank helps many interesting plants to grow. These plants provide food and shelter for the animals living there.
Flowers and Grasses to Spot
Here are some of the plants you can find growing at Watts Bank:
- Gentianella amarella (Autumn Gentian)
- Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Common Spotted Orchid)
- Primula veris (Cowslip)
- Succisa pratensis (Devil's-bit Scabious)
- Linum catharticum (Purging Flax)
- Anthyllis vulneraria (Kidney Vetch)
