Alresford Pond facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 30.2 hectares (75 acres) |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Alresford Pond is a large lake in New Alresford, Hampshire. It's a very important natural area, covering about 30.2-hectare (75-acre). Because of its amazing wildlife, it's been named a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a protected place where nature is especially important.
How Alresford Pond Was Made
This big lake wasn't always here! It was created a very long time ago, between the years 1189 and 1204. A person named Godfrey de Lucy, who was the Bishop of Winchester at the time, had it built.
Why Was It Built?
Bishop Godfrey de Lucy wanted to make the River Itchen easier for boats to travel on. He needed a good supply of water to keep the river deep enough. So, Alresford Pond was built to act like a giant water tank, feeding water into the river.
Wildlife at Alresford Pond
Alresford Pond is a fantastic home for many different plants and animals. It's known for its rich community of water plants that grow in and around the lake.
Birdlife
The pond is also a popular spot for many wetland birds, especially during their breeding season. You can often see and hear birds like:
- Reed warblers: These small, brown birds are known for their chattering songs. They build their nests in the tall reeds.
- Sedge warblers: Similar to reed warblers, sedge warblers also love marshy areas. They have a very varied and musical song.
These birds find the pond's plants and insects perfect for raising their young.
