Alde–Ore Estuary facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Suffolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological Geological |
| Area | 2,534 hectares |
| Notification | 1992 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
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Designations
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| Official name: Alde-Ore Estuary | |
| Designated: | 4 October 1996 |
|---|---|
| Reference #: | 862 |
The Alde–Ore Estuary is a very special place on the Suffolk coast in England. It's a huge area of 2,534 hectares (that's about 6,261 acres!) where the Alde, Ore, and Butley River meet the sea. This amazing natural area is important for both its plants and animals (biological) and its rocks and landforms (geological).
It stretches along the coast between the towns of Aldeburgh and Bawdsey. Many different groups work to protect this area because it's so important for nature.
Contents
Alde-Ore Estuary: A Natural Treasure
The Alde-Ore Estuary is one of the most important natural sites in the United Kingdom. It has many different types of habitats, which are like different neighborhoods for plants and animals. These include grassy areas, freshwater ponds, small rivers called ditches, tall reedbeds, salty marshes, muddy flats, and lagoons with slightly salty water.
One of the most special parts is its vegetated shingle. This is a rare type of beach made of small, rounded stones where plants can still grow. The Alde-Ore Estuary has the second largest and best-preserved area of this habitat in Britain.
Why is the Alde-Ore Estuary Protected?
This estuary is protected by many different rules and agreements because of its amazing nature.
- It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's one of the best places in the country for wildlife and geology.
- It's part of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This shows how beautiful and important the landscape is.
- It's a Grade I Nature Conservation Review site. This means it's one of the most important places in the UK for nature conservation.
- It's a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This is a European Union designation for places that protect rare habitats and species.
- It's a Ramsar site. This is an international title for wetlands that are important for birds and other wildlife.
- It's a Special Protection Area (SPA) under the European Union's Birds Directive. This means it's very important for wild birds, especially those that migrate or are rare.
Amazing Wildlife
The Alde-Ore Estuary is a paradise for birds. It's a nationally important place for many different bird species. You can see lots of different types of birds here, especially those that live near water or on the coast.
Besides birds, the estuary is also home to several rare types of spiders. These tiny creatures play an important role in the ecosystem.
Ancient Rocks and Fossils
The estuary is also important for its geology. It includes two special places called "Geological Conservation Review" sites. These are areas chosen because they show important parts of Earth's history.
- One site is called "Orfordness and Shingle Street."
- The other is "The Cliff, Gedgrave."
At The Cliff, Gedgrave, you can find rocks with fossils in them. These rocks date back to a time called the early Pliocene period. This was millions of years ago! The fossils are from something called the Coralline Crag Formation. Studying these fossils helps scientists learn about what the world was like long ago.
Who Looks After This Special Place?
Many different groups help to manage and protect the Alde-Ore Estuary:
- Two nature reserves within the estuary are managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. These are Alde Mudflats and Simpson's Saltings.
- The coastal part of the site, called Orfordness-Havergate, is a National Nature Reserve.
- Orford Ness is looked after by the National Trust.
- Havergate Island is managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
All these organizations work together to make sure this incredible natural area stays healthy and safe for all its plants and animals.
