Woodham Walter Common SSSI facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Essex |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 80.0 hectares |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Woodham Walter Common SSSI is a special natural area in Essex, England. It covers about 80 hectares, which is like 112 football fields! SSSI stands for Site of Special Scientific Interest. This means the area is protected because it has important plants, animals, or geological features. Woodham Walter Common is special for its biology, meaning its living things.
This site is part of the Danbury Ridge Nature Reserves. The Essex Wildlife Trust helps look after it.
Contents
What Makes This Place Special?
Woodham Walter Common sits on top of ancient sand and gravel, with a layer of clay underneath. This mix of soil helps different kinds of plants grow.
Woodlands and Valleys
The common has many areas with oak and hornbeam trees. These trees grow where there used to be open heathland. There are also two valleys with streams flowing through them. These valleys are rich in different plant species. Some parts, like Poors' Piece and Pheasanthouse Wood, have ancient woodland. This means the woods have been there for a very long time, often for hundreds of years!
Amazing Plants
You can find some cool and uncommon plants here. These include:
- Pill sedge: A type of grass-like plant.
- Broad-leaved helleborine: A beautiful wild orchid.
- Lady fern: A delicate fern that loves damp, shady spots.
Wonderful Wildlife
Woodham Walter Common is home to many interesting animals. Keep an eye out for:
- Butterflies: You might spot bright yellow common brimstone butterflies or the spotted speckled wood butterflies.
- Birds: Listen for the beautiful song of the nightingale or look for the shy hawfinch.
- Mammals: The area is also home to badgers and tiny, sleepy dormice.
Visiting Woodham Walter Common
You can visit Woodham Walter Common from Common Lane. It's a great place to explore nature and see some of the amazing plants and animals that live there. Remember to respect the wildlife and keep the area clean!
