Aldwincle Marsh facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Northamptonshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 2.0 hectares |
| Notification | 1984 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Aldwincle Marsh is a special natural area in Northamptonshire, England. It's a type of wetland called a marsh, covering about two hectares. That's roughly the size of five football fields! This place is so important for nature that it's been named a Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI for short.
Contents
Discovering Aldwincle Marsh
What is an SSSI?
A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a protected area in the United Kingdom. It means the land has special plants, animals, or geology that need to be looked after. Aldwincle Marsh was given this important status in 1984 because of its unique natural features.
A Home for Rare Plants
Aldwincle Marsh was formed by water slowly seeping out from between different types of rock. This creates a unique wet environment with shallow peat, which is like a spongy soil made of decaying plants.
In the wet parts of the marsh, you can find plants like Juncus subnodulosus, also known as blunt-flowered rush. You might also spot marsh pennywort and wild angelica. A very rare plant called Menyanthes trifoliata, which is a type of bogbean, also grows here.
Wildlife at the Marsh
Drier areas of the marsh have different grasses and herbs. These plants are like a magnet for insects! Many beautiful butterflies and dragonflies visit the marsh, making it a lively place. They come to feed on the plants and find shelter.
A small stream called Harpers Brook also flows through Aldwincle Marsh. This brook adds to the wetland environment, providing even more habitats for different species.
Visiting Aldwincle Marsh
Aldwincle Marsh is on private land, so there is no public access directly into the marsh itself. However, a walking path called the Nene Way runs along its eastern edge. This means you can still enjoy views of this special natural area from nearby.
