Willingdon Down facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | East Sussex |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 67.5 hectares (167 acres) |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Willingdon Down is a special natural area in East Sussex, near Eastbourne. It covers about 67.5 hectares (that's like 167 football fields!). This area is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because it has unique plants and habitats.
Part of Willingdon Down is also a very old site from the Neolithic period, which is sometimes called the New Stone Age. This ancient area is protected as a Scheduled monument.
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What Makes Willingdon Down Special?
Willingdon Down is located on the South Downs, which are famous hills in southern England. The land here slopes steeply, creating a perfect home for a rare type of habitat called chalk grassland.
A Home for Unique Plants
Chalk grassland is very special because many different kinds of plants grow there. It's not a common type of land in the UK. The main grasses you'll find are sheep's fescue and upright brome.
Rare Flowers You Might Spot
Willingdon Down is home to several beautiful and uncommon flowers. If you visit, you might be lucky enough to see:
- Field fleawort
- Bee orchid (which looks like a bee!)
- Round headed rampion
- Green winged orchid
- Burnt orchid
These plants need the specific conditions of chalk grassland to grow, making Willingdon Down an important place for them.
A Glimpse into the Past
Besides its amazing nature, Willingdon Down also holds secrets from thousands of years ago. There's a part of the site that was once a causewayed enclosure.
What is a Causewayed Enclosure?
Imagine a very old settlement or camp built by people during the Neolithic period, around 6,000 years ago. These enclosures were often circular or oval. They had ditches and banks that were not continuous, but broken up by gaps or "causeways." People used these places for many things, like gatherings, ceremonies, or even as temporary homes.
Protecting History: Scheduled Monuments
Because this ancient enclosure is so important to understanding our past, it's protected as a Scheduled monument. This means it's a nationally important archaeological site that is legally protected from damage or change. It helps make sure these historical treasures are preserved for future generations.
Visiting Willingdon Down
Willingdon Down is a place where everyone can enjoy nature and history. It's public open access land, which means you are welcome to visit and explore. It's a great spot for walks and to discover the unique plants and the ancient past of the area.
