Wealden Edge Hangers facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 222.4 hectares (550 acres) |
| Notification | 1984 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Wealden Edge Hangers is a very special natural area in Hampshire, England. It covers about 222 hectares, which is like 550 football fields! This place is protected because it has amazing plants and wildlife. It is located north of a town called Petersfield.
Contents
Wealden Edge Hangers: A Special Place
Wealden Edge Hangers is known by a few important names that show how special it is:
- Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI): This means the area is protected by law. It has important plants, animals, or geology. It's like a national treasure for nature!
- Local Nature Reserve (LNR): Part of Wealden Edge Hangers is also a Local Nature Reserve. These places are managed by local councils. They help nature and let people enjoy it.
- National Nature Reserve (NNR): A big part of this area is an Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve. NNRs are the most important places for wildlife and geology in the UK.
- Special Area of Conservation (SAC): Wealden Edge Hangers is also part of a larger area called the East Hampshire Hangers Special Area of Conservation. SACs are important for protecting rare or threatened habitats and species across Europe.
Amazing Plants and Nature
Experts from Natural England say this place is one of the most interesting woodlands in Britain. It has many different types of plants and animals.
Rich Plant Life
The ground here is full of many different plants. Some of these plants are very rare. Scientists have found 289 different kinds of vascular plants. These are plants that have special tubes to carry water and nutrients, like trees, flowers, and ferns.
Tiny Plants and Fungi
Wealden Edge Hangers is also home to many smaller plants:
- Bryophytes: There are over 111 types of bryophytes here. These are tiny plants like mosses and liverworts. They don't have true roots, stems, or leaves.
- Lichens: The area has the second richest collection of lichens in the whole country. There are 74 different species! Lichens are like a mix of fungi and algae living together. They often grow on trees and rocks.
This amazing variety of plant life makes Wealden Edge Hangers a truly unique and important place for nature.
