West Blean and Thornden Woods facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
A path through Thornden Wood.
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| Area of Search | Kent |
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| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 781.0 hectares (1,930 acres) |
| Notification | 1989 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
West Blean and Thornden Woods is a very large area of woodlands in Kent, England. It covers about 781 hectares, which is roughly the size of 1,930 football fields! These woods are located north of Canterbury and are officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of their important wildlife.
Contents
What Makes These Woods Special?
West Blean and Thornden Woods are considered a very important place for nature. They are part of a bigger area called the Blean Woods Nature Conservation Review site. This means they have been studied and found to be one of the best places in the country for certain types of plants and animals.
A Home for Rare Wildlife
Being a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) means that the area has special plants, animals, or geological features. The government protects these places to make sure their unique nature stays safe. West Blean and Thornden Woods are important because they are home to many different kinds of creatures.
Managed for Nature
A large part of these woods, about 490 hectares, is a nature reserve. This reserve is looked after by the Kent Wildlife Trust. This organization works hard to protect the animals and plants living there. They help manage the woods so that wildlife can thrive.
Amazing Animals and Plants
These woods are full of life! They are especially known for their many different animal species.
Birds of the Woods
More than fifty different kinds of birds make their homes and raise their young in West Blean and Thornden Woods. This makes the area a fantastic place for birdwatching. You might spot many common birds, but also some rarer ones.
Tiny Creatures (Invertebrates)
The woods are also home to a huge variety of invertebrates. These are animals without backbones, like insects, spiders, and worms. Scientists have found five species here that are nationally rare, meaning they are very hard to find anywhere else in the country. There are also thirteen species that are nationally scarce, which means they are not common.
The Shy Hazel Dormouse
One of the most special animals living in these woods is the hazel dormouse. This small, cute rodent is known for being very shy and spending a lot of time sleeping. Sadly, the number of hazel dormice is going down in many places, so protecting them in West Blean and Thornden Woods is very important.
Visiting the Woods
You can visit parts of the nature reserve and explore the beautiful woodlands. It's a great place for a walk and to enjoy nature. However, remember that some areas of the woods are private land, so always stick to the public paths.
