Wilmington Downs facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | East Sussex |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 209.8 hectares (518 acres) |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Wilmington Downs is a special natural area in East Sussex, England. It covers about 209.8 hectares (518 acres) of land. This area is very important for its wildlife and plants. Because of this, it is called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The site is located north-west of Eastbourne. It is known for its beautiful chalk grasslands. Wilmington Downs is also home to the famous Long Man of Wilmington. This is a huge figure cut into the hillside. It is a very old and mysterious landmark.
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What is Wilmington Downs?
Wilmington Downs is a protected area. It was officially recognized in 1986. The main reason it is protected is its amazing natural environment. It has a unique type of grassland. This grassland grows on the steep slopes of the South Downs.
A Special Place for Nature
This area is mostly made up of chalk grassland. This type of habitat is very rare. It supports many different kinds of plants and animals. The chalky soil and sunny slopes create a perfect home.
Why is it a SSSI?
A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a place that has special plants, animals, or geology. The government protects these sites. This helps to keep them safe for future generations. Wilmington Downs is a "biological" SSSI. This means it is important for its living things.
Amazing Animals of Wilmington Downs
Wilmington Downs is a fantastic place for small creatures. It is especially important for invertebrates. Invertebrates are animals without backbones. This includes insects, snails, and spiders.
Protected Species
Two very special invertebrates live here. They are protected by law. This means it is against the law to harm them.
- The wart-biter grasshopper is one of these. It is a large, rare grasshopper. It gets its name from an old belief. People thought it could bite warts off.
- The snail Monacha cartusiana is the other protected species. This small snail is also quite rare. It thrives in the chalk grassland environment.
Other Unique Life
Besides these, you can find many other interesting species. The downs are home to unusual types of lichens. Lichens are like a mix of fungi and algae. They grow on rocks and plants. There are also many different kinds of mosses. These tiny plants add to the rich biodiversity of the area.
The Long Man of Wilmington
One of the most famous features of Wilmington Downs is the Long Man. This is a giant figure carved into the chalk hillside. It is about 72 meters (235 feet) tall. The Long Man holds two staffs.
A Mysterious History
No one knows exactly when or why the Long Man was made. Some people think it is from prehistoric times. This would make it thousands of years old. Others believe it was made more recently. It is a Scheduled monument. This means it is an important historical site. It is protected by law.
The Long Man is a fascinating part of the landscape. It adds to the unique character of Wilmington Downs.
