Barnham Cross Common facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Norfolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 69.1 hectares (171 acres) |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Barnham Cross Common is a special natural area in Thetford, Norfolk. It covers about 69.1 hectares, which is like 170 football fields! This common land is important for its amazing plants and animals.
It's owned by Thetford Town Council and is open for everyone to visit. It's also known as a Local Nature Reserve, which means it's a place where nature is protected and people can enjoy it.
Contents
Discover Barnham Cross Common
Barnham Cross Common is a fantastic example of grassland and heathland. It has many different types of environments, called habitats. These habitats are home to a huge variety of plants and animals.
Why is Barnham Cross Common Special?
This common is a very important place for nature. It's officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it has rare plants, birds, and insects that need protecting.
Home to Amazing Plants
The common has a "rich flora," which means lots of different plants grow here. Some of these plants are nationally rare, meaning they are hard to find anywhere else in the country! The mix of grassland and heathland helps these special plants thrive.
A Haven for Wildlife
Barnham Cross Common is also a busy place for animals. Nearly one hundred different kinds of birds have been seen here. About sixty of these bird species even build their nests and raise their young on the common. You can also find a wide range of invertebrates, like insects and spiders, living here.
What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest?
A Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI, is a special area in the UK. It's protected by law because it has important wildlife, plants, or geological features. These sites are like nature's treasures, and we need to keep them safe for the future. Barnham Cross Common is one of these important places.
It's also part of the larger Breckland area. This area is protected even more as a Special Area of Conservation and a Special Protection Area. These titles mean it's important for wildlife across Europe.
Visiting the Common
Barnham Cross Common is a great place to explore nature. It's open to the public, so you can go for a walk and see the plants and animals for yourself. Remember to respect the wildlife and keep the common clean.
