Wormsley Chalk Banks facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
View of easternmost area and the neighbouring countryside
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| Area of Search | Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire |
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| Grid reference | |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 14.1 hectares |
| Notification | 1989 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Wormsley Chalk Banks are six separate areas of land. They are located near Turville in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. These areas together cover about 14.1 hectares. They are a very important place for nature. Because of this, they are called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means the land is protected by law. It helps keep its special plants and animals safe.
The Wormsley Chalk Banks are part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is a special title given to beautiful landscapes in England. It helps protect their natural beauty.
Contents
Wormsley Chalk Banks: A Special Place
Wormsley Chalk Banks are famous for their chalk grassland. This type of grassland grows on chalky soil. It is home to many different kinds of plants and insects. Sadly, these species are becoming rare in other parts of the country. This makes Wormsley Chalk Banks even more important.
What Makes Chalk Grassland Special?
The different areas of the banks have slightly different soils. Some parts have thin soil. Here, a grass called sheep's fescue grows a lot. These areas often have the most types of wildflowers. Other parts have deeper soil. In these spots, you might see taller grasses. Examples include upright brome and tall oat-grass.
Amazing Plants You Might See
The chalk grassland at Wormsley Chalk Banks is full of beautiful flowers. You can find different types of orchids here. Two special ones are the bee orchid and the fly orchid. The fly orchid is becoming quite rare. These orchids are known for looking like insects. This helps them attract real insects for pollination.
Incredible Insects and Animals
Wormsley Chalk Banks is also a great place for many small creatures. You can find a wide variety of butterflies fluttering around. These insects love the many wildflowers. Other interesting animals live here too. These include harvest spiders. You might also spot slow-worms. Slow-worms are actually legless lizards, not snakes! They are harmless and important to the ecosystem.
Visiting Wormsley Chalk Banks
Some parts of Wormsley Chalk Banks have public footpaths. These paths let people walk through and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It's a great way to see the special plants and animals up close. Remember to stay on the paths to protect the delicate environment.
 | Frances Mary Albrier |
 | Whitney Young |
 | Muhammad Ali |
