Wytham Ditches and Flushes facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
.jpg) |
|
| Area of Search | Oxfordshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 2.7 hectares (6.7 acres) |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Wytham Ditches and Flushes is a special natural area located north of Oxford in Oxfordshire, England. It covers about 2.7 hectares (which is roughly the size of five football fields!). This site is officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its amazing plant life, especially the rare wetland plants found there. It was given this important status in 1986.
Contents
What Makes Wytham Ditches and Flushes Special?
This area is unique because it has a mix of ditches and "flushes" that create perfect conditions for many different kinds of plants. It's known for its rich collection of aquatic (water-loving) and fen (wetland) plants.
Why is it a Site of Special Scientific Interest?
A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a protected area in the UK. It means the land has important wildlife, plants, or geology. Wytham Ditches and Flushes is protected because it's home to many uncommon wetland plants. These plants need very specific wet conditions to grow, which are found here. Protecting this site helps make sure these rare plants can continue to thrive.
Plants You Can Find Here
The ditches and wet areas at Wytham are like a natural garden for special plants. You might find some plants that are quite rare in other parts of the country. These include:
- Greater water-parsnip: A tall plant that likes wet places.
- Greater spearwort: A bright yellow flower that grows in water.
- Water violet: A delicate purple flower that floats on the water.
- Brookweed: A small plant that grows near streams and ditches.
- Narrow-leaved water plantain: A plant with long, thin leaves that grows in shallow water.
- Creeping jenny: A plant with yellow flowers that spreads along the ground.
What are 'Flushes'?
Besides the ditches, there's also a small field at Wytham Ditches and Flushes that stays partly waterlogged. This happens because of something called "flushes." A flush is an area where groundwater (water from underground) comes to the surface. This constant flow of water keeps the soil very wet, creating a unique habitat for plants that love damp conditions. The field is also described as "tussocky," meaning it has clumps of grass or plants growing in mounds.
