Barrow Blow Wells facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Barrow Blow wells |
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Type | Local Nature Reserve |
Location | Cherry Lane, Barrow-upon-Humber, North Lincolnshire, England |
OS grid | TA073221 |
Area | 2.7 hectares (6.7 acres) |
Managed by | Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust |
Barrow Blow Wells is a special place in Barrow-upon-Humber, North Lincolnshire, England. It's a local nature reserve covering about 2.7 hectares (that's like 6.7 acres!). This reserve is managed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, which helps protect its unique natural features.
What Makes Barrow Blow Wells Special?
This nature reserve is home to amazing reedmarshes and woodlands. But the most interesting part is its two "blow wells." These are natural artesian springs where water bubbles up from deep underground.
How Do Blow Wells Work?
Blow wells are quite rare and are mostly found along the coast of Lincolnshire. Here's how they form:
- Rainfall soaks into the ground, creating underground streams in layers of chalk rock.
- As these underground streams flow towards the River Humber, they meet a thick layer of clay.
- This clay acts like a cap, trapping the water underneath and building up a lot of pressure.
- If there's a crack or a weak spot in the clay layer, the water is forced upwards, creating a natural spring or "blow well." It's like poking a hole in a water balloon – the water shoots out!
Why Are They Important?
The water from these blow wells is very clean and fresh. It creates a perfect environment for special plants and animals to live. The reedmarshes and woodlands around the wells provide homes for many different kinds of wildlife, making Barrow Blow Wells a really important place for nature.