Woodridge Nature Reserve facts for kids
Woodridge Nature Reserve, sometimes called Woodridge School Nature Reserve, is a small but important natural area in Woodside Park, London. It's about 0.7 hectares in size, which is roughly the size of one international football field! This reserve is officially recognized as a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation. This means it's a place that's really important for local wildlife and plants. The London Borough of Barnet, which is the local council, owns and looks after this special spot.
The reserve was originally created to be a nature trail, a place where local primary school children could learn about nature. However, over time, it hasn't been looked after as well as it could be. Despite this, it remains a valuable home for many different creatures.
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What Makes Woodridge Nature Reserve Special?
Woodridge Nature Reserve sits mostly on a type of soil called London clay. This clay soil helps certain kinds of plants grow well. The reserve is made up of two main types of habitats:
- Oak woodland: This means there are many oak trees, creating a forest-like area.
- Grassland: These are open areas covered in different types of grasses.
A Home for Wildlife
Even though it's not very big, Woodridge Nature Reserve is like a safe house for many animals. It was once used as farmland for grazing animals, but now it's a peaceful place where wildlife can thrive. You might be able to spot:
- Woodland birds: Many different bird species live among the trees, building nests and finding food.
- Insects: From buzzing bees to colorful butterflies, insects are vital for the ecosystem and can be found all over the reserve.
- Amphibians: Creatures like frogs and newts might live here, especially if there are damp areas or small ponds.
Location and Access
The reserve is located very close to Folly Brook, which is a small stream. Folly Brook runs through a larger area called Folly Brook Valley. This valley is a big open space with lots of woods and grassland, open for everyone to enjoy. It stretches between Woodside Park and another area called Totteridge.
If you want to visit Woodridge Nature Reserve, you can find an entrance through a special type of gate called a "kissing gate." This gate is in a grassy area near the Michleham Down entrance to Folly Brook Valley.
Images for kids
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A view of the Woodridge Nature Reserve.
