Sparkford Wood

Infobox SSSI


name=Sparkford Wood
aos=Somerset
interest=Biological
gridref=gbmappingsmall|ST613275
area=8.4 hectare (20.7 acre)
notifydate=1954

http://www.natureonthemap.org.uk/map.aspx?
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Sparkford Wood (gbmapping|ST613275) is a 8.4 hectare (20.7 acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest at Sparkford in Somerset, notified in 1954.Sparkford Wood is a broadleaved semi-natural woodland situated on heavy fertile soils. It dates from at least the 18th Century and its survival amongst the prime agricultural land of south-east Somerset makes it unique. The ground flora, which includes abundant Bluebell ("Hyacinthoides non-scriptus"), varies in conjunction with differences in soils which range from mildly calcareous to acid. The woodland has a large population of homostyle Primroses ("Primula vulgaris") which have been the subject of some classic genetic studies. These plants are unique in that they represent a self-fertile form of a normally self-sterile species, and they are of international significance in providing research opportunities. [cite web | title=Sparkford Wood | work=English Nature | url=http://www.english-nature.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1000468.pdf | accessdate=2006-08-21]

References