Amberley Wild Brooks facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | West Sussex |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 327.5 hectares (809 acres) |
| Notification | 1685 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Amberley Wild Brooks, also called Amberley Wildbrooks, is a very special natural area in West Sussex, England. It covers about 327.5 hectares, which is like 809 football fields! This amazing place is important for its wildlife. It is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
A large part of Amberley Wild Brooks, about 80 hectares, is a nature reserve. The Sussex Wildlife Trust helps to look after this reserve. It is also part of a bigger protected area called the Arun Valley. This area has special international protection for its wildlife.
Contents
Why Amberley Wild Brooks is Special
Amberley Wild Brooks is a unique place because of its wet grasslands. These are called grazing marshes. Many small ditches crisscross the area. These ditches help to keep the land wet. This creates a perfect home for many different plants and animals.
Home to Rare Animals
This area is a fantastic spot for wildlife. It has many unusual invertebrates, which are creatures without backbones. Dragonflies are especially common here. You can see many different kinds flying around the ditches.
The brooks are also a vital place for birds, especially in winter. Many birds come here to feed and rest. You might see large groups of teal and shoveler. These are types of ducks. Bewick’s swans also visit in large numbers.
Two very rare types of snails live in the waters of Amberley Wild Brooks. These are called Anisus vorticulus and Pseudamnicola confusa. Finding these snails shows how healthy and important this wetland is.
Amazing Plant Life
Amberley Wild Brooks is also home to a wide variety of plants. Experts have found 156 different kinds of flowering plants here. These plants add to the beauty and health of the marsh. They also provide food and shelter for the animals.
Protecting Amberley Wild Brooks
Because Amberley Wild Brooks is so special, it has several important protections.
Site of Special Scientific Interest
It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means the area is legally protected in the UK. It is important for its wildlife or geology.
International Protection
Amberley Wild Brooks is part of the Arun Valley. This larger area has even more protection:
- Ramsar site: This is an international agreement to protect wetlands. Wetlands are very important for water birds.
- Special Area of Conservation (SAC): This protects habitats and species that are rare or threatened in Europe.
- Special Protection Area (SPA): This protects wild birds and their habitats across Europe.
These protections help make sure that Amberley Wild Brooks stays a safe home for its unique wildlife for many years to come.
