Weeleyhall Wood facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Essex |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 31.0 hectares |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Weeleyhall Wood is a special natural area in Essex, England. It covers about 31 hectares, which is roughly the size of 43 football fields! Located north of Clacton-on-Sea, this beautiful woodland is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a protected area because of its unique plants, animals, or geology.
The Essex Wildlife Trust looks after Weeleyhall Wood. They work hard to keep it healthy and safe for all the creatures and plants that live there, and for people to visit and enjoy.
Contents
Discover Weeleyhall Wood: A Special Place
Weeleyhall Wood became a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1985. It's protected because it's a great example of different types of woodland. The ground here has various kinds of soil, which allows many different plants to grow.
What Makes This Wood Special?
This wood is home to many interesting trees and plants. You'll mostly find pedunculate oak trees, which are very common in England. Underneath these tall oaks, there's a layer of smaller trees like hazel and sweet chestnut. These trees were planted a long time ago, in the 1800s, using a method called coppicing. Coppicing involves cutting trees back to ground level regularly to encourage new growth.
Rare Plants and Ferns
Weeleyhall Wood is especially important because it has the largest population in Essex of a plant called climbing corydalis. This is a delicate plant that climbs using its tendrils. You can also find four different types of ferns growing here, adding to the wood's rich plant life.
Ponds and Grassy Paths
The wood also has two ponds, which are important for insects, amphibians, and other wildlife. There are also damp, grassy paths, called "rides," that are full of different plant species. These open areas provide a different habitat from the dense woodland.
Visiting Weeleyhall Wood
You can visit Weeleyhall Wood by following a track from the B1441 road. It's a wonderful place to explore and connect with nature, seeing the diverse plants and perhaps spotting some of the animals that call it home. Remember to respect the environment and stay on the paths to protect this special area.
